Shelf No.
G
fia/ /on Libj rn v
. At// //////, . jfif/.i.fo.
iut^tmt IlitWir f iltmru
mm,
M’7.
r
A
///
/r/s/
J
*
■I
I
THE
GENTLEMA N
VENICE
A
Tragi-Comedie
Prefentedatthe Private houfe in
Salisbury Court by her
Majefties Servants.
Written by
James Shirley.
LONDON 3
Printed for Humphrey CWofeley and are to be
fold at his Shop at the Princes Armes in St.
Pm Is Church-yard, 1655.
I
>^9.f/9,
\
TO THE
HONORABLE
Sir T HO. NIGHTINGALE
Baronet.
si*K,
H E Poem that approacheth to
kifs your hand, had once a An¬
gular grace and luftre from the
Scene, when it enjoy’d thelifeof
a&ion^Nor did it want thebefl: hands to ap¬
plaud it in the Theater} But nothing of thefe
is considerable, to the Honour it may receive
now from jyour Confirmation and accep¬
tance.
I muft acknowledge many years have
pa ft 5 fince it did Vagire in Cunts , and when it
had gotten ftrength,and legs to walk3travel-
ing without direction, it loft it felf, till it
was recovered after much inquifition, and
now upon thefirfl: return home, hath made
this fortunate addreffe , and application to
your Patronage^ In which my ambition is fa-
tisfied.
I know this Nation hath been fruitfull in
A 2
names
The Epiftle Dedicatory.
names of Eminent Honor. But in thefe
times, there be more Lords then Noblemen,
and while you are pleas’d tofmileupon this
piece, I moft cheerfully throw my felfe, and
it upon your Protection, whofe Angle worth
to me, is beyond all the boafted Greatnefie
and voluminous titles of our age.
Be pleas’d to read, what is prefented yovi ,
at an hour, you will dedicate to Recreation,
and prefer ve the Author in your memory ,
whofe higheft defires are to make good the
Character of
Sir9
The moft bumble among \
I
thofe that honor you*'!
James Shirley
The
S>>
The names with ibme (mall
Chara&ers of the Perfons.
THE Duke of Venice.
Gornari a Gentleman of Venice of a
great fortune 9 but having no Child 9 contrives to
have an heir from hts wife } and a^ainfl the nature
and cuflome of the Italian, indeer es anEngUfh
gentleman to her affection and fociety.
Florelli the Eng lift Gentleman of a Noble
extraction and perfons much honoured for his parts,
by which he gained much reputation in the Acade¬
mies.
Malipiero Nephew to Cornarb a, man of a
violent fpiriti and haled by his Uncle y for his de¬
baucheries.
Giovanni^ {fuppos *d Son of Roberto the
Dukes Gardiner ) whofe noble mind could not bee
fupprefl 5 in his low condition 5 and in love xticb
Bellaura.
Thomazo, the fuppofed Son of the Duke 3
whom no precepts , nor education at Court-, could
forme into honorable defres} or employments.
Marino lCourtfe7S 6f Honor.
Candiano \
Roberto the Dukes Gardiner > an humorous
jolly old man.
cA 3 Ber-
I^rcdfo \comPanions °f Malipiero
Georgio, the (jar diners ferv ant.
Bravos.
Attendants .
SouldierS.
Bellaura the Dukes Niece 3 whom Giovanni
pafsionately affected.
Claudiana wife to Gornaris a Lady of excel -
le nt beauty jngratiated ky her husband to Florelli
thcenglifh Gentleman.
Urfula wife to Roberto^ a froward woman 3and
who much doted upon Thomazo her Nurfechild „
Rofabella a Curtefan.
The Scene.
VENICE.
THE
THE
gentleman
OF
VENICE.
Ad. i.
Enter Malipiero, whe knock* at a Dsore} to him a
Servant,
Mai.
Here is my Uncle firra >
Str. Not within.
Mai. Come hither, tell me truth.
Ser. Hee’s gone abroad.
Mai, He has commanded your offi¬
cious roguefhip.
To deny him to me. [ Mat. kicks him. ]
Ser, What do you mean fir > ( kicks
Mai. To (peak with my Uncle firrah, anclthefe
Shall fetch him hither.
Ser. Help. £ He runns in]
Mai, Your howling will
A 4 Be
a Tie gentleman of V enice.
Be his kue to appear.
Enter Cowart. A
Cor. What infolence is this ? 1
Mai. No infolence: I did but correS: your knave, 1
Becaufe I would not lofe my labour fir,
1 cametofpeakw’ee. f
Cor. Shall I not be fafe - l
Within my houfe> hence- I
Mai. I ha not done yet.
Cor. Y ou were bsft aflault me too,
Mai. 1 mud borrow money.
And that fome call a ftrikingj but you are
My very loving Uncle, and do know
How ncceffary it is, your Nephew fhould not
Want for your honor.
Cor. Hence;! difclaim ,
And throw thee from- my bloodjthou art a baftard,
Mai. Indeed you do lie Uncle, and ’tis love ,
And reverence bids me fay fo, it would coft
Dear, fhould the proudeft Gentleman of Venice
Have call’d myMother whore3 but you ftia.ll onely
By the disboUHe of fifty Duccats take
My anger off, and l’lc be ftill your Nephew ^
And drink your health, and my good Aunts.
Cor. Drink thy
Confufion.
Mai. Heaven forbid your Heir fhould fo
Forget himfelf, and lofe the benefit
Gf fuch a fair Eftate as you have Uncle}
Shall I have Gold for prefent ufe 1
Cor NotaZ'chine.
Mai. Conuder but what Company I keep.
Cor,. Things that lie like Confumptions on their
Family,
And will in time eat up their very name}
A knot of fooles and knaves.
Mai.
The Gentleman of V enice 3
Mai. Take heed, be temperate,
A hundred Duccats elte wil hadly fatisfie,
’The Dukes own Son Signior Thoma&o wo’not
BIu(h to be drunk fir in my company.
Cor. He is corrupted
Amongft difeafes like thy felf, become
His Fathers ftiame and forrow, and hath no
Inheritance of his noble nature.
Mai. You
Were beftcall him baftard too, the money
I modeftly dernandcd,and that quickly,
And quietly, before I talk aloud,
I may be heard to’th Palace elfe.
Cor.Thou heard/ i’le tel thee,
Were treafon talk’d, I believe thy teftimony
Would hold no credit againft the hangman5but
I lofc too pretious time in dialogue with thee.
To be Ihort therefore know.** —
Mai. Very well, to’th point.
Cor. I will confume all my eftatc my felf. (&ion.
Mai. You do not know the waics without inftru-
Cor. I will be inftru&ed then.
Mai. I doc like that.
Let’s joyn focieties, and ile be fatisfied ;
Let me have part in the confuming of
The mony,that does mould for want of Sun-beams
Within your mufty Coffers, l’lc releafe you.
You have no lwaggering face; but I can teach
Your very lookes to make a noyfe, and if
You cannot drink or game, wee’l ha’ devices;
You may have whores, I that but live in hope
After your death, keep twelve in penfion,
r They wear my Livery, l’le refigne the Leverets ,
I can ha more, I have a lift of all
The Curtczans in Venice3 which ftiall tumble
And keep their bugle bowes for thee dear Uncle ,
L Wee’Ic
4 The Gentleman of Venice.
Wce’l teach thee a thoufand waies.
Cor. itlhannotnced,
I (hall take other courfes with my wealth.
And none of you (hall (hare in’t. I have a humour
To turn my mony into Hofpitalls;
Your riots come not thither.
’ M al. But we may.
Drink, and difeafes are the waies to that too.
But will you turn a Mailer of this Colledge
You talk of Uncle? this fame Hofpitall ?
And lay out mony to buy wooden leggs
For crippl’d men of War, invite to your coll
Men that have loft their nofes in hot fervice?
Live and converfe with roten bawdes & bonefetters,
Provide Penfions for furgery, and hard words
That eat like Corrofives, and more afflift
The patient? but you’l fave charges, I confider
My Aunt, your wife — —
Cor. How darft thou mention her
With thy foul breath.
Mai. May be excellent at compoling
Of Med’cines for corrupted lungs, impoftumes
At making plaifters, dyet drinks, and in charity
Will be a great friend to the pox.
Cor. Thou villain.
Mai. And you’l be famous by’t, I may in time
As I faid before, if lull, and wine affift me,
Grow unfound too, and be one of her patients}
And have an office after in her houfhold
To prepare lint, and fearcloths, empty veines.
And be controller of the Crutches, oh
The world would praife the new foundation
Of fuch a Peft houfe, and the poor foules drink
Your health at every Feftivallin hot porredge. •
Cor. Art thou of kin to me ?
Mai. I think I am,
As
5
T be Gentleman of Venice:
As near asyour brothers eld eft Son, who had
No competent eftate from his own parents.
And for that reafon by wife nature was
Ordain’d to be your heir that have enough Uncle,
The fates muft be obeyed, and while your land
Is faftned to my name for want of males.
Which I do hope, if my Aunt hold her barrenncffe
You will never bang out of her Sheaf, I may
Be confident to write my felf your Nephew.
Cor. Thou haft no feeds of goodnefs in thee, but
I may find waies to crofs your hopefull intereft.
Mai. You’l find no feeds in my Aunts parflybed
I hope, and then I’m fafe,but take your courfe,
Supply me for the prefent, for your honour— — — <
The Duccats come.
Or. You are cofened.
Mai. As you would not
Have me pull down this houfe, when you are dead
And build a ftewes, the Duccats come.
Or. Thou coward /
MM. Becaufe I do not cut your throat, that were
The way to difinherit my felf queintly.
Cor . Canft thou not deal.* & fo deferve a hanging ?
‘ MM. Yes lean, and am often tempted, but I
wo’not
Do you that mighty wrong, to let what you have
So long, and with fo little confcience gathered.
Be loft in confifcation by my fellony.
I know a way worth ten on’tj yet thus much
l’le bind it with an oath, when I turn thief.
Your Gold fhall be the firft I will make bold with,
In the mean time lend me the trifling Duccats,
And do not trouble me.
Cor. Not a Muccmgo
To fave thee from the Gallics,
MM. No? the Gallies /
Muft
6 The gentleman of Venice. . '
Muft I (hift ftill? remember, and die fhortly
I’le live, I will, and Yather then not be
Reveng’d on thy eftate,I will eat roots
Gourfc ones I mean, love, and undoe an herbwife
With eating up her fallets, live and lap
Onely in barly water, think on’c yet ,
I am now for wine, you know not what that heat
May do, the in jury being fo frefh, I may
Return, and you’l repent.
Cor. ’Tis more then I
Can hope of thee, go to your rabble fir.
Mnl. You a Gentleman of Venice > but remember,
A pox ’a your wealth, I will do fomething
To deferve the halter, that 1 may difgrace
The houfe I came on, and at my Execution
Make fuch afpecch,as at the report, thou (hale
T urn defperatc, and with the remnant of
My Cord go hang thy ftlf , and that way forfeit
All thy Eftate when 1 am dead, i’le do
Or this, or fomething worfc to be reveng’d.
Exit, Mai.
Enter Servant.
Cor. Hee’s loft, this doth new fire my refolution*
See if your Miftris be yet ready firra.
Say I expeft her; Exit Servant.
My blood is almojl: in a fever with
My paffion,but CJandiana may cure all,
Whom I have wrought with importunity
To be fpe&ator at the exercife
This day ’ith Academy, here (he comes,
Enter Claudiana.
Art ready >
\*_€Uh. Ever to obey you fir.
But if you would confidcr yet, you may
Be kind,and let me ftay, I dare not think
Y ou are lefs careful of my honor, but
You
The Gentleman of Venice. 7
You gave once Command with my confcnt too,
Not to be feen too much abroad.
Cor. I did.
1 muftconfefle Claudiana^ I had thoughts
And fcruples which thy innocence hath clear’d.
And though our nice Italian every where
Impofe feverely on their wives} 1 fhould
Be unjuft to make thee ftill a prifoner to
Thy melancholly Chamber, take the aire,
’Tisfor thy health, and while i wait upon thee.
Thou art above the tongue, and wound of fcandall.
Clan. I know your prefence takes off all difhonor.
But—
Cor. No more, I charge thee by thy love.
And to convince all arguments againft it}
I have provided fo, thou {halt obferve
Unfeen the bold contentions of art,
Anda&ion.
Clan. I’m not well.
C or. I (ball be angry
If my defires be plai’d withal!, pretend not
With purpofe to delude me, I have bldfings
Stor’d in thy health, but if you pra&ife any
Infirmity to crofs my will, that aimes
At the fecurity of thy health and honour¬
ed#. Sir, you (hall fteere me. f
Cor. This becomes Clandiana,
I will thank thee in a kifs, prepare
The Gnndelo.
Ser. It waites [ Within ]
Cor. And I on thee.
The treafure of ray eyes, and heart. Exeunt.
Enter Roberto, llrfula, Georgio.
Rob. Where is my fon Giovanni firra>
Geo. Hecwent two hours agoe to the Aademy ,
T o fee the exercife to day.
8 The Gentleman of Venice,
Urf How’s that 1
What bufinefs has he there, pray ’mongft Gentlemen ?
He does prefume too much.
Ro. Patience good Urfula. £him
Urf. You give him to much reine;’twould become
To follow his profeffion, and not look after
Thofe gentlemanly fports.
Ro. No tempeft wife,
No thundring Urfula} am not I the Dukes
Chief Gardiner, ha? and fhall I make my Son
A drudg; confine him here to be an earth- .v oral,
Live like a mole, or make it his laft blefiing
To plant, and order quickfet; let him walk.
And fee the fafhions.
Urf. He has coft you fweetly
T o bring him up, what ufe had he of learning ?
What benefit, but to endanger us.
And with his ’poring upon books at midnight,
To fet the houfe on fire, let him know how
To rule a fpade, as you ha done.
Ro. He does fo,
And knowes how to inoculate my Urfula ,
My nimble tongue, no more: becaufe he read
Theftory of Zantippe to’thcr night
That could out-talk a drum, and found a point
Of War to her ht^band honeit Socrates ,
You took a pet; he fhall abroad fometimes
And read and write till his head ake. Go.to
Urf. So, fo, the Dukes Garden (hall be then
Well look’t to, he deferves a Penfion,
for reading Amadts do gaule^ and Guvman'y
And Don Quixot , but i’ie read him a lefture.
Ro. You will.? offer but to bark at him, /
And I will fend him to the Univerfity
T o anger thee, nay he fhall learn to fence too,
And fight with thee, at twenty fcverall weapons
Except
9
The Gentleman of V enice.
Except thy two edged tongue, a little thing
Would make me entertain a dancing matter.
Peace, orl will deftroy thy Kitchi fiUrftt'.a,
Disorder all thy trinkets, and in ftead
Of braffe and pewter, hang up VM de Gumbos,
lie fet an Organ up at thy beds head,
And he (hall play upon’t: what tyrannicall
To thy own flefh and blood, to Giovanni!
My heir, my onely boy? fetch me a taylor.
He fhall have new cloaths,and no more be warm
With the reverfion of your peticoates.
Do not provoke me, what imperious ?
Get you in, or I will fwinge you.go,and weed.
Virf. Now for vexation could I cry my heart out.
Exit .
Mo. Sirra (lay you, and is Giovanni gone
To’th’ Academy faift ?
Geo. Yes fir, they fay,
There is anEngliCh Gentleman, that winns
The Garland from ’em all at every exerette.
One of the Court told my young matter on’t,
( As he enquired of every Gentleman
Gomes in to’th’ Garden, what’s the newes abroad)
Mo. And does he not tell thee tales 8c dainty ftories
Sometimes >
Geo. Oh, of Tamberlatn, and th^great Turk, 8c all
His Concubines, he knowes ’em to a hair,
He is more perfeft in the Chronicles
Then I am in my prayers.
Mo, I do believ’t
Geo. And talkes a battell, as he were among ’em ,
He tickles all your turbants, and in a rage,
Wifties he had the cutting of their Cabbages
To (hew what houfehecameon.
.R0. Ha my boy!
Geo, Oh fir he has a peftilent memory,
He
io The Gentleman of Venice.
He told me to’cher day there vtas another
World in the Moon, arid that the world we live in
Shines like to that, to people that live there,
How many miles it is about the Earth ,
How many to the ftarrs, I fear he will
Be mad, if he read much,’tis juft like ravening,
And fuch hard words would choak me to repeat
’em.
Mo. He never tells me this*
Geo . We are familiar.
You are his Father, and he dares not lie
To you, to me he may talk any thing,
He knowes my underftanding to an inch.
Would you would fpeak to him though , to take ]
a little
More paines, ’tis I do all the droilc, the durtwork:
When I am digging* he is cutting Unicorries,
And Lyons in tome hedge, or elfc deviling
New knots upon the ground, drawing out Growns
And the Dukes armes, Cattles and Cannons in ’em, .
HereGallies, there a Ship giving a broad fide.
Here out of turfc he carves a Senatour
With all his robes, making a fpeech to Time
That grows hard by, and twenty curicfitics,
I think he meanes to embroider all the Garden
Shortly, but I do all the courfe-worke* here’s
My Miftris agen.
Enter Vrfttld. ,
Me. What, is the ftormlaid >
Vrf. I muft be patient: your fonne’s not come yet.
Mo. Why now thou art Vrfa Maiort love
thy whelp,
And we are friends.
Vrf. Was not the Dukes Son here }
I fear he is fick, that I have not fecn him
Thefe twodaies in the Garden.
Geo. ,
7 he gentleman of V enice, 1 1
Geo. There’s a Gentleman.
Vrf. I, there’s a Gentleman indeed. >
[ dream’c on him laft night, pray heaven he be
In health, I prethee make enquiry,
There’s a Gentleman, and you talk of a Gentleman!*
Geo . Signior Thomazo ?
Ro. Where is hee ?
Geo. I know not, but my miftris would fend me
To know the ftate of his body .
Ro, Why , how now Vrfula > firra about your
bufinefle,
And fparc that inquifition, what hath
four impudence to do with the Dukes Son t
Vrf. Have not I to do that gave him fuck ?
[ hope I was his nurfe, and it becomes me
To enquire of his health, he is the very pearl
3f curtcfie, not proud nor coy I warrant you.
But gentle as my Sunday muffe . . :
Ro. Yourconny skinne. iV7
Vrf. I am the better when*! look upon him.
There’ a gentleman, and you talk of a gentle man,
>o compleatjfo affable, afcholar too ,
fl could, underftand him, prethee Tweet heart,
Jet me with child that I may long a little.
Ro. For a piece of the Dukes Soul!’ ,
Vrf. I (hall nere forget how pretily
letook theniple , and Would play, and prattle
himfclf
fleep I warrant you, but hec’s now a man,
El'reat man, and he remembers me ftilL-
i ere*s a gentleman, and you talk of a gentleman.
tRo. The woman dotes. Exit .
JLnter Marino meeting Candiano a Senatour.
Jar. Whither fo faft ? V
n sn. To the Academy,
fc> Spare
'■ ' < B
Tour
r 2 The Gentleman of Venice.
Y oar haft,all’s done.
CVw.Who has the vote to day >
Mar. The Englifh Gentleman is ftill vi&orioijs.
All praifes flow upon him, he ha’s depos’d
Our City, which hath now refign’d her Lawrcll.
Enter Florelli and other gentlemen.
Can. Is not this hce >
Mar. The fame, in’s face the promile
Of a moft noble nature.
Flo. Gentlemen,
Pfay give me leave, to underftand your language,
F or this.fo much above me, fcarcc will be,
(AVhcn I’m lefle ignorant), worth my thanks,
i .Gent. This is
We know pretence of modefty, we muft
Congratulate yourtriumph.
Flo. For this time
l’ie be content your praifes (hall abufe me.
Who arc thefe >
Mar. Friends and Honorers of your worth.
Flo. I fee that courtcfie is native here ,
All the reward I can return, muft be
T o fpeak abroad the Noblenefie of Venice
For fo much grace to an unworthy ftranger.
Can. The Duke himfclfe.
Enter Duke^ Thomazo, Senators, Malipiero.
Du. We muft refolve to fend new forces
And fpeedily, the flame will el£e endanger
Venice it felf.
Sen. This town loft will encourage
The inful ting Genowefe.
Dm. Thomaz.0 !
The. Sir.
Du. I look when you will ask me leave to traile
A pike, and purchafe honor in thefe Warrs.
Tho. I have not been well iince I was laft
The (jttttletnan of V eti i cc. i 3
Let blood, and therefore if you plcafe, I would
Be excus’d till the next warrs, and then have at-*£mj
By that time 1 (hall be a better rapier man.
Du. This fool is the difhonor of my blood.
He declines all that’s noble, and obeyes
A bafe and vulgar appetite, he dwells
Like a difeafe within my name, but ’d-s
Heavens punifliffiditt, what are they V
Mari. All ftrartgers, but among them one
In v.hom you may read fo'rife thing worth your
grace, "
An Englifh Gentleman.
Du. He, to whom fame
Gives the honor of <5tfr exert ifes, nature
With fuch an aftive heat might have built up
My Son, but hee’s curft to live a fikdow, ’
Marino fetches Florelli tokjfstke Dukes hand.
Welcome fir to I' Venice. ~ (Son.
Tho. He (hall kifs my handtoo, I am the Dukes
Flo. You honor me. *
Du. Thomaz.o give that gentleman
A box’oth ear.
T ho. He wo’not take it kindly,
He is one— — <- -
Du. Will ftrike agen, is not that it >
1 ho. I would not ufe a ftranger fo difcourteoufly,or
elfow— . — ( thy of
Du. Embrace him then, and make your fclf wor-
His friendlhip and converfe, you’! gain more honor
Then the empty title of your birth cah bring yre :
But to the great affair; the War, your Counfdls#
Exeunt Duke , Senatour and Marino.
Tho. My father bids me embrace you fir.
Flo. I (hall
Be proud when I can do you any fervice.
7 ho. Gentlemen, pray know me every one,
B 2 I
I ^ The Gentlemad of Venice.
I am the Dukes Son, my name’s Signior Thomas.
m Cent. You do us too great honor.
Mai. We had no objeft worth our envy fir
Till you arriv’d, you have at once diflionorcd.
And made our Venice fortunate.
T ho. Malipiero , let’s bid ’em welcome in rich wine.
Mai. I attend you fir.
This fellow muft not live to boaft his trophecs.
He may fupplant me too, if he converle
Too freely with Tho ma^o} whofe courfe wit
Is all the ftock I live by, pleafe you gentlemen
To w alk.
Gent. We follow.
Tho. I wcjuld not have the way
But that you are a ftrangcr.
Gen. it becomes you,
Ex.Omnes,
Enter Cornari and Claudiana , as in the D uk.es
Garden.
Cla.
II have obey’d you fir.
Cor. Thou haft done well
My Clattdiana9ve ry well, who dare
T raduce thee for V am I not carefull of thee*
I prethee give me thy opinion
Who deferv’d beft ot all the gentlemen?
C la. I have not art enough to judge.
Cor. But thou
Haft fancie, and a liberal! thought, that may
Beftow thy praife on lome or other, tell me
If thou hadft been to give thegarland, prethee
Whofe
The Gentleman of Venice. 15
Whofe head fhould wear it? though wee ha not
judgement
j To examine, and prepare our juftice; yet
Where men contend for any viftory ,
Affe&ion may difpofe us, and by fome
Secret in nature we do ftill incline
To one, and guard him with our wifhes.
Cla. I hope
This is but mirth.
Cor. By my regard to thy
Fair honor, nothing elfe, it fhannot rile
To a difpute, who ha’s thevotetoday
Of all the gentlemen? I muft know.
Cla. They arc
To me indifferent.
Cor. So is my queftion, but I muft have more.
It cannot be but fome man muft deferve
More print and poize in thy opinion,
jSpcak as thou lov’ft me Claudiana.
\ Cla. Sir,
Your inquifition is not without change
Of lookes upon me, and thofe fmiles you ask with,
Are not your own I fear.
Cor. Nay, then you dally.
And undoe that obedience, I fa much
Commended.
Cla. Dear Carnari.
Coy. Yetagen?
rhe man, tell me the man ?
Cla. What man >
Cor. The gentleman
rhat beft deferve* in thy opinion:
fliall be angry : what deny to give me
rhis triviall fatisfa&ion? the expence
Df a little breath? why do you tremble fo ?
Cla, Alas, I know not what to anfwer, this
- Muft
■ 1 6 The Gentleman of V enice.
Mud nepds engender fears in ray coldbofome.
That my poor honor is betrai’d, and I
Stand iri your thoughts fulpettcdof Ibme guilt
I never underftood, if the report
Of malice have abus’d me to your ear,
(For by your fclf I am all innocent )
Cor. What do you mean Claudiana ?
Cta. Sir, your qu {lion
Hath frighted me, ’cis ftrange, and killing to
My tender apprehenlion.
Cor. Y’are a fool
T a be thus troubled, and but that I know
The put i y of thy faith to me, this language
Would make me jealous, ’cis an ill drefs’e paflion ,
And palenefle, that becomes not Claudiana
To wear upon her modeft cheek, I Ee
Thy heart lick in thy eyes, be wife, and cure ic.
My qutftion was but mirth, without the fence
O', the ieaft (cruple in my felf, or meaning
To difeompofe one chearfull look.
C la. Your pardon.
Cor. And you as fifely might have anfwered me.
As 1 had cafually ask’tthe time o’th day;
What dreffing you delight in,or what gown
Y hi moll afFeft to wear.
Cla. Once morel ask you pardon, you reftore me.
And I am nowfecur’d by your clear goodnefle,
T o give my weak opinion- ■— ;
Cor. Ofthe man
Tliat d id appear in thy thoughts to deCerve
Moll honor.
Cla. Yon’lexcufea womans verdift,
M y v ice is for the ftrangerfir.
Cor. Why f) J
Y u Ik' him'bcft;- what horror was in this
Poor qutiliun now? you nKan the Englilh man?
Cla*
TheGentlemanof Venice: 1 7
C.la.'Xht fame,moft graceful! in fils parts &perfon.
Cor. ’Tis well, l’me Satisfied, and we both meet
: In one opinion too, he is indeed
The braveft Cavalier , what hurt’s in all
This now? I fee you can diftinguifh , weit thou
A virgin Ciaudt ana., thou wouki’ft find
I Gentle and eafie thoughts to entertain
Sopromifing a fervant; Hhould be
Taken with him ihy (elf, weri 1 a Lady,
And lov’d a man.
Cla. How’s this 1 my feares return.
Enter Bellaura and Georgio.
| Cor. Madam Bellaura the Dukes charge is entred
The Garden, let’s chooie another walk. Ex.
Bel. Why you are conceited fiirra, does wit ,
Grow in this Garden ?
Ge. Yea,Madam while I am in’t,I am a flip
My felf-
Bel. Of Rofemary or time • '
Ge. Of wit fweet Madam. (tering.
Bel. ’Tis pitty, bat thou Ihouldft be kept with wa-
Gr. There’s wit in every Flower, if you can ga¬
ther it.
Bel. I am of thy mind.
But what’s the wit prethee of yonder tulip ? (tier.-
Ge. You may read there the wit of a young Cour-
Bel. What’s that ?
Ge. Pride, and (hew of colours, a fair promifing,
Deare when ’tis bought, and quickly comes to no¬
thing.
Bel. The wit of that rofe ?
Ge. If you attempt
Madam to pluck a rofe, I (hall find a moral in’t.
Bel. No Country wit? ( which here
Ge. That growes with pot*herbes,and poor roots.
Would be accounted weeds, courfe things of profit,
B 4 Whofe
1 3 The Gentleman of Venice.
Whofc end is kitchin Phyfick, and found health; l[
T wo things not now in fafhion. fc
Bel. 'Your wit dances. (
Where learn’t you all thefe moralls 1
Geo. 1 but glean i II
From my young matter Giovanni Madam,
Hee’l run divifion upon every flower.
He ha’s a wit able to kill the weeds, 8
And ripen all the fruit in the Dukes Orchard,
Bel. Where is Giovanni l I
Geo. He went betimes to’th Academy,
He is at all the exercifes, we
Shall ha fuch newes when he comes home.
Bel. Why does j
Your matter (being rich)fuffcr hisfon
To work i’th garden > (Madam,
Geo. My matter ? hcc’san honeft mortall man
It is my miftrifs, that commands him to’t ,
A lhrow,aRd loves him not, but ’tis no matter;
I ha’ the better company, hee’s here.
Enter Giovanni.
l’le leave him to you Madam, I muft now
Water my plants. Exit. |
Bel. Why? how now Giovanni}yo\i frequent I hear
The Academies.
Gio. When I can difpence
Madam, with time, and thefe employments, I
Intrude a glad fpe&ator at thofe ichooles
Of wit and aftion, which although I cannot
Reach, I am willing to admire, and look at
With pitty of my feh loft here in darknefle.
Bel. By this cxprtffion I may conceive
How much you nave improv’d, 8c gain’d a language
Courtly, and mod eft.
Gio. Madam,you are pleas’d
To make my uneven frame of words your mirth*
" 7 ’he Gentleman of V enice. I ^
[ profeffe nothing but an humble ignorance,'
ftjtd I repent not, if by any way
( My duty and manners (afe) it may delight you.
Bel. Indeed Giovanni 1 am pleas’d, but not
With your fufpition, that my praifes arc
Other then what become my ingenuous meaning.
For if I underftand,I like your language.
But with it I commend your model! fpirit,
Gio. It is an honour Madam, much above
My youths ambition, but ifl poffeffe
A part of any knowledge you have dain’d
To allow, it owes it felfunto this fchool.
Bel . What fchool ?
Gio. This Garden Madam, ’tis my Academy,
Where gcntlcmen,and Ladies ("as your fell,
The firft and faireft, durft I call you miftris,)
Enrich my eare, and observation
With harmony of language, which atbeft
I can but coldly imitate.
lie/. Still more courtly /
Why how now Giovanni , you will be
Profeffor Ihortly in the art of complement,
You were beft quit the Garden , 8t turn Courtier.
Gio. Madam , I think upon the Court with re¬
verence.
My fate, is to adore it afar off.
It is a glorious Landfchape, which I look at
As fome men with narrow optick glaffec
Behold the ftarrs, and wonder at their vaft
(Though unknown)habitable worlds of brightnefs:
But were my eye a nearer judge, and I
Admitted to a clearer knowledge Madam
Of the Court life, there I might find the truth
Of mans beft Ideas, and enjoy the happineflc.
Now onely mine by naked {peculation,
I think how there I ftiould throw off my duft
20 The Gentleman of Venice.
And rife a new Creation. j
Bel. The Court |1
Is much beholding to you Giovanni.
do. It is a duty Madam I owe truth.
[ Bel A truth in fuppofition all this while.
Gio. I fhould be fad if any experience (hould
Betray an error in my faith, and yet
Sofoft and innocent a trefpa(Te,Madam,
Might well expeft a pardon.
Bel. Some that have
Freely enjoy’d the pleafurcs, or what elfe
You fo advance in Court, have at the laft
Been weary, and accus’d their gay Condition,
Nay, chang’d their ftate for fuch an humble life
As you profefle, a gardiner.
Ge'q. I defpife not
What-I was born to Madam, but I (hould
Imagine the difeafe lay in the mind,
Not in the Courtier, that would throw atoay
So fpacious a blefling to be fervile.
Bel. Y ou know not Giovanni your own happinefi.
Nor the Court finnes, the pride andfurfeits there
Come not within your circle, there are few
Purfue thofe noble trafts your fancy aims at,
It is a dangerous Sea to launch into,
Both (helves and rockcsyou fee not, 1, 8t mermaid?.
Gio. What are they Madam ?
Bel' You have heard ofMermaidcs.
r Gio. You mean not women I hope Madam ?
Bel. Yes.
Gio. Oh do not by fo hard an application
Incrcafc the Poets torment, that firft made
That fabulous ftory to difgrace your fex,
Y’are firm, and the fair feal of the great maker,
A print next that of Angels.
Bel. We arc bound t’cc
' tf
21
The Gentleman of Venice.
If our caufe want a flourilh, you have art
To make us ftie*y fair.
Gio. And you arc fo,
’Tis malice dares traduce you ; or blind ignorance
That throw? herjtrains, wh^h fallofffrom your
| Vs figures, ’ ^ 'Ji
For thofe which weaker underftandings cal
Your fpots,are ermine*, andean fuch asthefe
Darlings of heaven, and nature, women, ftioot
At Court an influence like unlucky planets ?
They cannot furc, why you live Madam there ,
That are enough to prove all praife, a truth.
And by a fweet example make ’em all
Such as you are objc&Sjof love and wonder.
Oh then how blcs’t are they that live at Court,
With freedome to converfe with fo much virtue.
As your fair fex embraceth.
Enter llrfula.
Bel. Here’s your mother.
Gio. Shee was too hafty.
Vrf, Madam I hope you’l pardon my fons rudenefs
To hold difcourl'e with your Ladilhip.
Bel. ’Tis a courtefie,
And he talkes well to paffc away the time,
Exceeding well, but I muft tp my Guardian
The Duke-— Exit.
Vrf. Happineffe attend your Ladilhip.
Now fir what arc you thinking of ?
Gw. Your pardon, nothing.
Vrf. Nay flay, I muft talk with you my felf.
But firft what talk had you with my Lady ?
Gio. She was pleas’d toaskfomc queftions,
Vrf. What were they ?
Gio. I ha’ forgot.
Vrf Youha’forgoty’area leud
And fawey boy, go to, your father fpoiles you j
JLnter
2 2 The Gentleman of V enice. .
Enter Roberto.
Vrf. But if you ufe me firra ’oth this fafhion
Fie break your pate, I will, the Dukes owne fonne
( My bleffing upon him ) would not anfwer me
With I ha’ forgot, I warrant you, but you— —
Ro. Why, how now Vrfttla , what? perpetual!
clamours?
Vrf. Oh hcreVyour (tickler.
Gio. Nothing unkind to me, (he was angry j
With yourfervant(jtf0r£»'0, and threatned to break
His head, away— — —
Geo. Myhe.id? comeheeles. — — Exit.
Ro, Was it but fo ? (he (hall, (he (hall do that.
With all my heart, and l will break it too.
Vrf. Nay, then 1 will be friends with him,
Ra. Where’s the knave ?
Vrf. I wo’not be compell’d to break his head.
And you were twenty husbands; fare you wel.
Ro. ’Tis fuch a wafp, but (he fhannot wrong thee,
Gio. I know (he wo’not fir, (he is my mother.
She comes agen.
Enter Thomazo, Malipiero, Barnardo
And Marcello.
Erf. My heart does leap to fee you.
Ro. The Dukes fon, and a troop of gallant s,but j
I alwaies have fore eyes to fee one th6re,
That Signior Malipieroy he does owe me
Already forty Crownes, and I forgive him.
Mai. Signior Roberto , remember that I owe
Y ou forty Crowns.
Ro. Pray, do you forget ’em.
Mai. I never pay till it come to a hundred.
Ro. Never pay/ it is no matter Signior.
I were beft be gone before he borrow more.
It is a trick he nfes to put on
With his rich clothes. Pie vanifh. Exit.
Mx/.Strangc this Englilh man appears not£ Erf,
The Gentleman of Venice. 2 3
Vrf. I was afraid you had been fick my Lord.
The. I was never fick in my life, but when
I had a feaver, or fome other infirmity.
I’]e call thee nurfe ftil. Giovanni . 1
Gie. Sir.
Tho. Thou looked like a changling.
Gw.The more’s my misfortune.
Y ou are the Dukes fon. Exit,
Tho. Who can help it? nurfe,
Vrf. He was never courteous to women.
Here’s a gentleman, and they talk of a gentleman,
Now could I weep for joy. 1 muft take my leave fir:
Tho . 1 muft make bold with my nurfe.
f'r/Blelfings upon thy heart, how fweetly he kifles.
Here was a touch for a Lady. " , Exit.
Tho. Go thy waies,
An admirable twanging lip, pitty thou are
A thought too old: ha wagtaile!
Ber. Does he come alone ?
Mai. Alone, be you refolute
1 When you fee me draw, (hoot all your points •
I Into his heart.
Ber. Be confident.
Mar. Unlcfle
He be fteel-proof, he fhannotboaft abroad
Much vi&ory in Venice.
Enter Florelli, and Giovanni.
Gio. Signior Thomaz,otir) is there.
Flo. I thank you.
Gio. Y ou pay too much fir for no fcrvice.
The. Here he is. (mile.
We were wagering thou wouldft not keepe thy pro-
Elol I durft not make that forfeit of your grace,
I moft eonfult my own, when 1 am carefull
To wait upon your honor.
Mai. You are noble.
Flo .
24 T/.'f’ Gentleman of Venice.
Flo. Your humble fervant gentlemen.
7 ho. Where didftfupp? .
Flo. I was not willing to engage my felf
Abroad, left I might trefpafie on your patience.
Tho. What (hall’s do this evening 1
Mai. Walk a turn,
And then to a bonaroba.
Bet. A match. C
tho, Giovanni J
Thy fpade,and hold roy cloak.
Mai. What’s the device '( (I cannot
Tho. 1 have ’great mind to dig now, do’ft think
Handle afpade, i’le make a bed with my Gentle¬
men now
For a hundred Duccat?.
Mai. ’Tisa bafe employment ,
Fit for fuch a drudge as Giovanni.
Gio. Sir ! (hill breed?
Mai. A drudged faid,dee fcorne your little dung-
Gio. This is not noble.
Mai. How mole-catcher ?
Flo. Forbear he is not arm’d.
Mai. You werebeft be his champion.
Tho. Are you good at that ?
Ido not love to wear my doublet pink’d. Exit.
.Gio. Three againft one > /-Giovanni recovers 4
Mai. Hold.
Gio. I am no drudg you’l find
To be commanded fir , you
painted flies.
And onely fit for troutes.
Flo. Let’s give ’em play, and breath.
Mai. Loft our advantage l is Thontaz,o fled ?
Mar. And Bernardo, we were beft retire, that
Gardiner
Will ftick me into ground, elfe for a plant. Exit.
Mai.
slwori , having fir ft
)us'A his Jpade to fide
k with the Englishman:
'Bernardo [having
. loft his weapon flies.
The gentleman of Venice. 25
Mai. Expeft wee’i be reveng’d. Exit.
Gio. Let’s prevent ’m.
Flo. They arc not worth it Giovanni ^ fo
I {,eard you nam’d.
Gio. My name is Giovanni.
Flo. Thou haft reliev’d, and fav’d my life) I find
Their bafe confpiracie, what (hall I pay
Thy forward refcue >
Gio. Tis but what I owe ,
To juftice, with the expence of blood and life
To prevent treachery, reward I have
Receiv’d i’th aft, if I have done you fervice.
But ’twas your innocence that madefuch haft
T o your own valour, not my fword preferv’d you.
I am young, and never taught to fight.
Flo. I preihec
Accept this trifle, buy a fword, and wear it.
Thou haft deferv’d to thrive a nobler way
Then thy condition fhewes. *
Gio. Though fome would call
This bounty, urge it not to my difgrace,
1 fcorn to fell the motion of my arme /
I fear you are not fafe yet, there may be
Danger in following them, and it grows dark.
Have patience while I fetch a key, that (hall
Befriend you with a private way. Exit.
Flo. Th’art noblca
Though I am careleflc where the termes of honor
Engage my life, ’tis wifdome not to lofe it
Upon their bafe revenge, but I muft ftudy
Some other payment for this young mans courage.
How ere his body fuffer in a cloud ,
His fpirit’s not obfcure, but brave, and aftivc.
Enter Cornari and Brano’s arm.d.
Cor. If iny intelligence faile not, he muft be
Hereftill. This evening hath put on a Vizard
To
a 6 The Gentleman of V emice.
To confpire with me, there he walkes, furprizc him.
They feiz>e upon him^bind his armes andfeet3
and blind him with abagg. , .
Flo. VillainesjCowards, Slaves, my fword. ]
Bra. If you be lowd,wee’l ftrangle you.
Cor. Difpatch.
Bra. We ha done fir, is he for the river now ?
Cor. No, follow me. Exeunt.
Enter Giovanni.
Gto. Thefc (hew like officers,
Alas hce’s apprehended on their bafe
Complaint, I cannot help; thy caufe and innocence
Muft now befriend thee ! bafe world ! yet I may
Injure, the parts abroad; *ds onely Venice
Is fick with thefe diftempers,thenjji*le leave it.
And inftantly purfue fome other fate
Pth warrs, it may cure fomething too within me.
That is deny’d all remedy at home,
Some bodies for their Phyfick,are defign’d
To change of airc, i’le try ’c upon my mind. Ex.
Aft.
Enter Malipiero 4#<5/Thomazo,
Tho.
NOt this Englifhman to be found ?
Mai. Hee’s not above ground
Where I could fufpeft him in the City ■■■ >"'<*
Tho. Let him goe, may be his haft topled him
Into the river, and we may eat his nofc
In the next haddock.
Mai . Wherefore did you fly?
The.
The Gentleman cf Venice. 2 J
Tho . Do’ft think ’twas fear >
MalT Twas fomtthing like a will*
To keep your skin from oilet-holes.
Tho. Igrant you,
What had I to do to bring up a fafhion ?
Mai, We might ha’ gone a fure and nearer w <y
To ha* kill’d him in a right line with a bullet.
But let him goe, fo he qui t Venice any way.
Tho. Hee would fpoilc our mirth, butlmi.cH
wonder
Bernardo is not come yet, whom I fent
Embafiador for money to the Merchants.
Mai . Nor Marcello , whom I employ’d to the
fame end.
To my raoft Coftive Uncle for fome goldfinches.
Tho.Why (hould theftatc have an Exchequer, ?.nd
We want?
Mai- For pious ufes too, to drink their health^
\nd fee the Common-wealth go round
; In mutuall commerce of mirth and fpirit,
Which phlegmc and ufury hath almoft ftifled,
sobriety and long gownesfpoiie the City.
Tis we would keep the body politick
"rom Sinking, ulcer’d with long obligation',
\txd notaries, which nowftuffethe Rialto ,
\nd poyfon honed natures, that would elfie
dve freely, and be drunk at their own charge.
7 ho. I would make new lawes, and I were Duke
of Venice.
Mai. Wc would not fit. i’th chimney corner then,
bid fing like Crickets.
Tho, We would roare like Trumpets,
i.nd deal the Senators with, give us your monies—
Mat. Their’s? give us our own, their ftaies, their
wives,
tnd wardrobes Scanderbeg .
2 o The Gentleman of Venice:
Tho. And their pretty daughters,
My valiant T urk,who(hould feed high o’ purpofc—
M a/. To keep the wanton blood in titillations.
Tho. It (ftould be a Law 9 no maid Ihould be in
falhion.
Mai. Yes let ’em be in falhion, but not hold.
Tho. Not after fourteen be it then ena&ed;
Mai. Wee would banilh all the Advocates that
refus’d
T o pimp, and prove it Civill Law. (Dominion!
Tho. No feribe fhould dare to fhew his ears in out
Mai. Hang ’em, they arc labclls of the Law 9 anc
ftinke, !
Worfe then a filh-lhamblcs in lent. No lew
Should turn a Chriftian upon perill of
A Confifcaticn.
Tho. Why?
Mai. The Haves arc rich, (fcience
To turn ’em Chriftians were tofpoile their Con '
And make ’em hide their mony, ’cis lefle evill
In ftate to chcrifh Jewes, then Chriftian Ufurers.
Tho. I will hav.e every Citizen a J ew then.
Mai. Wc have built no Seraglio yet.
Tho. That’s true, f
What think you of the Univerfities ?
Would not they ferve ? |
Mai. O excellent.
They have fevcrall fchooles for feverall games,
Tho. And fcaffolds
For the fpe&ators when we keep our afts: l
Mai. The Golledgc rents would find the wenche
petticoates,
And the revenues of a fcore of Abbics jj
Wei ftript, would ferve to rowl ’em in clean linnet f
And keep the toyes in diet.
Tho. excellent !
The Gentleman of Venice. o.f
But when we have converted to the ufe
The Monaftcries, where fhall we beftow
The Fryers, and the thin religious men?
Mai. You may
Keep them with little charge, water is all
The blcffing their poor thirft requires, and taylorj
Wo’not be troubled for new clothes, a hair (Hire
Will outwear a Copy- hold, and warm 4 lives,
Or if you think ’em troubleloroe, it is
A fair pretence to fend ’em to fome wild
Country to plant the faith, and teach the infiddlc
A way to Heaven, for which they may be burn'c
Or hang’d, and there’s an end o’th honeft men.
There be a thoufand waies to quiet them. ,
7ho. My admirable Counfellor, thou ffiouidft be
My fupreme officer to fee Juftice done.
Mal^on cannot honour men of worth too much.
1 7ho. Wce’lha the bridges all pull’d down, and
made
Offilver.
Mai. Droflfe ! Gold isour oriedt metalK
Enter Bernardo.
Here is Benardo , welcome, w here's the monv ?
Ber. Not a gazer .'the merchants are all fallen.
And fay you owe too much already.
Mai . Thefe are Dogbolts.
’Tis time we had new lawes and they wo’not truft.
Tho. But we muft build
No golden bridges at this rate with fun-bc unes.
Mdl. They were beft content thcmielves with ho¬
neft ftone,
JHard as the heart of your ungodly Merchants.
Tha. Prethee let’s leave our dream of frighting
Sailors,
And fay, whit hope haft tjtou of getting money
i C 2 Fof
The Gentleman of Venice.
For this daies mirth? ('faith
Mai. Some hope there is, if my Uncle have but
Enough, to credit what I never mean.
Thrift and fubmilfion, and holy matters}
'Tis all the waics are left to cozen him
And creep into his nature, I have pawn’d
All my religion thatil’e turnc Fryer.
The. Haft pawn’d thy religion, much good do him,
Let him take the forfeit, fo he fend thee money*—
Mai. F or prefent ufe,and howl, and hang himfelf.
1 care not-- oh — here’s Marcello.
Enter Marcello.
0
W
II
D;dtl fpeak with him i
Mar. Yes.
Mai. That’s well. (it this—
Mar. He doe’s commend him to you, and with 0
Mai, I knew t’ would take, his tender confidence!
7 ho. Haft thou prevail’d >
Mar. This halter — be ha’s tyed the knot himfelf
At.d faie's next the Philofophcrs ftone, hee knowes In
not
What thing of nobler value to prefent you :
And rather then you fhould delay for want F<
Of a convenient — you know what, you fhould
Once more perufe his Orchard, there’s one tree
He would have bear no other fruit.
Mai • I thank him. - F
For his fine noofe, would I had his neck in’t.
The Devill fhould not conjure him from this circle!
Is this the end of all? !
Tho, No, not of all. j
Mai. I pretheee try how it will hold — d’ee hea
Let’s lay our heads together. Which of you
Is beft acquainted with the Turk ?
The. What Turk.
M*
The Gentleman of V enice. 5 1
Mai. The great and mighty Sultan, the grand
Signior*
Or have you but a Chriftiar, corrcfpondencc
With any of his heathen officers.
Tho. What to doe ? (gence ?
Mai. No rogue that lies purdue here for intelli-
Ber. What then >
Mai. I would make a bargainc with him now ,
and fell
This City to the Pagan inftantly.
Venice is a Jewell, a rich pendant ;
Would hang rarely at the great T urkes eare.
Tho. No doubt.
Mai. Or atone Horne of his half Moon.
Mar. I think fo.
-1 Mai. I would betray if I knew berw, the date
thjOr any thing for half a hundred Duccats
:eTo make one merry night, though after I
Were broke upon a wheel, or fet upright
ifjro peep through a cleft tree like a polc-cat
tin the high way— no money from the Mungrclls >
Well if I live, i will to Amferdam,
\nd adde another Ichifme to the two hundred
.‘‘ourfeore and odd}
[ am refolv’d.
7 ho. What ?
Mai. To cry down all things
That hang on wit, truth, or religion.
Tho. Come, thou art paffionate, is there no trick >
Mo lewd device? let me fee? — I have thought
\way to raife us my dear Tally, a projeft
Shall raife us, or i’ie venture-**— -
Mai. What ?
7 ho. My neck
"or hanging is the end of my device,
'* 1efle I thrive in’t: goto the randevcua ,
c 3 To.
^ 3 The Gentleman of V enice.
To RofabslW&ty the grand Cavale,
K ifs her and call for wines, ray bullyrookes,
A difli of dainty fidlers to curvet too.
And drink a health that I may profper, tumble
And (hake the houfe, Flc fetch you off*
Mai. But fignior— — — *
77>o.No more words, cannot you be gonc,be drunk,
A nd leave me to the reckoning, i’le return
With Indian fpoiles like Alexander. Exit ,
Mai. Spoken
joke a true Macedonian, we are gone.
He’s right,and may in time, and our good breeding
? e brought to fomcthing,may deferve the Gallies.
¥ How your leaders Mirmidons.
Both. We attend. Exeunt.
tlnter G io vanni and Gcorgio.
CJe.But will you venture Signior Giovanni
Your body to the warrs indeed i
Glo. I mean fo.
Ge. And leave me to be loft, or thrown away
Among the weeds here I
Gio. T ry thy fortune wo’me.
Ge. Yes, and come hopping home upon one legg.
Will all my pay then buy a handfome halter
T o hang my arm in, if it be but maim’d,
Yet I endure a battail every day ,
My miftris bath a mouth carries whole Cannon $
\ nd if you took that engine to the waits,
Tou would find it do rarefervice.
Gio. What >
Ge. Her tongue;
* Tike her but angry, and you’l need no more
> illery to fcoure them with a breach.
V hat fpoilc her breath would make in a market
place ?
GiOi
33
The Gentleman of Veince.
Gio. Be IdTe fatyricall;
I muft not hear this, (he is my mother,
: Gto. She is my miftris , and thats worfc, but I 'me
rcfolv’d,
i’le to the warrs w’e, do not tell her on’c,
My prendfhip is worfc then killing there.
My hand,i’lc w’ee.
Gio. In the mean time buy yec a fword, and belt.
And what is tic. c Gives him
Ge. No more, i’le be a fouldier ; \_mo ney.
And kill according to my pay, this will
Suffice to vamp my body, I may rife
If I grow rich in valour, that w ill do’t,
Mony and a tilting feather make a Captain. Exit.
! Gto. There is no other way to quiet the
Affiiftions here, betide ’cis honorable,
And warrea glorious miftris.
Enter Bellaura, and Roberto.
Tis Bellattra and my Father.
Be/. I know Madam you may break his refolut jon,
If you be pleas’d, you may command; hee’s here.
Bel. l’le try my skill.
Ro. Bleffings attend your Ladithip.
I’le waite for the fuccefle. Exit.
Bel. How now Giovanni,
What with a fword, you were not us’d to appeare
Thus arm’d, your weapon is a fpade 1 take it.
Gio . It did become my late profeffion Madam;
But I am chang’d.
Bel. Not to a fouldier.
Gio. It is a title Madam will much grace me.
And with the beft colic ftion of my thoughts
lhave ambition to the warrs.
t Be. You have?
Gio. Oh ’tis a brave profeffion, and rewards
i G 4 ',«****&! ^
54 The Gentleman of Ve nice.
All lofle wee meet with double weight in glory,
A calling Princes ftil are proud to own.
And fprqe d6 willingly forget their crownes
To be commanded, ’cisthe fpring of all
We here entitle fame to, Emperors
And all degrees of honors, owing all
Their names to this imployment, in her vgft
And circular embraces holding Kings,
Ai d making thenv, and yet To kind as not
To exclude fuch private things as I, who may
I/ arn and commence in her great arts.My life
Hath been too ufeleflfe to my lelf and Country,
3Tb time l (hould imploy it to deferve
A name within their Regiftry, that bring
The wealth, the harveft home of well bought honor*
Bel It is an aftive time I muft confeffe,
And the unhappy feene of war too nere us
But that it fhould enflame you on the fuddain
To leave a calm, and fecurc life, is more
Then commonly it workes on men of your
Birth, and condition, befidesl hear
Your Father is not willing you {hould leave him.
To engage your (elfin fuch apparent danger.
Here you will forfeit your obedience
blnleffe you flay.
Gio. 1 cannot defpair Madam
Of his confent, and if by my own ftrengrh
Of reafon I incline him not, it was
In my ambition to addrefle my humble
Suite to your Ladifhip to gain it for me.
At worft it is no breach of duty Madam ,
If I preferre my Country and her caufe
Now bleeding, before any formall ties
Of nature to a foft indulgent father.
For danger, lec pale foules confider it,
It is beneath my fears.
A
35
The Gentleman of Venice.
Bel. Yet I can fee
Through all this refolution iovttnni ?
’Tisifomthing clfc hath wrought this violent chang,
Pray let me be of counfel with your though t$.
And know the ferious motive, come be clear,
1 am no enemy, and can aflift
Where I allow the catife.
Gio. You may be angry
Madam, and chide it as a fawcy pride
In me to name, or look at honor, nor
Can I but know what imall addition
Is my unskiifull armc to aide a Country.
Bel. I may therefore juftly fufpeft, there is
'Something of other force that moves you to
The warrs, enlarge my knowledge with the fecret,
Gio. At this command 1 open my heart , Madam ,
I muft confeflc there is another caufe
Which I dare not in obedience
Obfcure, fince you will call it forth, and yet
Ifcnow you will laugh at me.
Bel. It would ill
Become my breeding Giovanni.
Gio. Then,
Know Madam, Pme in love.
Bel. In love with whom?
Gio. With one I dare not name, (lice’s fo much
Above my birth and fortune*.
Bel. I commend
Your flight, but does (he know it 1
Gio. Idurft never
Appear with fo much boldnefle to difeover
My hearts fo great ambition, ’cis here dill,
A ftrange and bufie gueft.
Bel. And you think abfencc
May cure this wound.
Gio. Or death.
%6 'ike Gentleman of Venice,
Bel. I may prefume ,
You think (lice’s fair.
<7*0.1 dare as foonquefti on your beauty Madam
The onely ornament, and ftarre of Venice. >
Pardon the bold comparifon, yet there is
Something In you refemblos ray great miftris
She bluffes-
Such very beames difpearfeth her bright eye
Powerfull to reftore decrepit nature.
But when (he frowncs, and changes from her fweet
Afpe£t ( as in my fears I fee you now
Offended at my boldneffe) (he docs blaft
Poor Giovanni thus, and thus I wither
At heart, and wi(h my fclf a thing loft in
iVSy own forgotten duff, but it’s not poflible
At laft ( if any ftarres bleffe but high thoughts)
By fomedefert in war, and deeds of honor.)
(For mean as I, have rais’d themfelves to Empire}
That (he without a bluff to ftain her cheek
May own me for a fervant— -I am loft
In wandring apprehenfions.
Bel. Poor Giovanni ,
I piety thee, but cannot cure— I like
Thy afpiring thoughts, and to this laft of love.
Allow the vvarrs a noble remedy.
Enter Roberto and llrfula.
I have argu’d againft your fonns refolve, but find
His reafons overcome my weak difpute.
And I muft counfell you to allow ’em too.
Urf. Nay, I was never much againft it Madam.
R0. She loves him not, but does your Ladiffip
Think fitting, he ffould go ?
Bel. Yes, yes ’tis honorable^
And to encourage his forward fpirit,
The Generali is my kinfman Giovanni %
What
The Gentleman of Venice. g y
What favours he can do you, you (hall have
My letters to entreat, and at my charge
You (hall be furnifla’d like a Gentleman,
Attend me at my lodgings.
I Gto. You bind all
My ferviccs; why this will make a (hew yet.
Ro. Nay, then take my confent and bleffing too.
Urj. And mine: the Duke. * Exeunt.
Enter Duke and Marino.
Du. Bellaurat I muft fpcak to you.'
Bel. I attend.
Du. You have my purpofe, and return me clearly
How he beftowes himfelf, and what fociety
Withdrawes him from his duty thus.
Mar. I (hall
With my beft care.
Du. I fear that Malipiero, |>«i Bellaura]
But let me find your diligence: Bellaura . Exit.
The Scene adorn'd with Figures among ft the reft
Claudiana’s
Enter Bravos with the Engliftmanjhey un¬
bind him and Exeunt.
Flo. I am all Wonder: (hall I truft my fences.
A fair and pleafant gallery; was I
Surpris’d for thi$?or doe I dream, I did
Expeft the end of my conveyance (hould
Have been more fatal.
No traft appears, or figne of thofe that brought me.
The place is rich in ornament, fare thefe
Are Pi&ures, all things filent as the Images,
And yet thefe fpeak, fome do inhabit here.
This room was not ordain’d onely for air
» And (hadowes, *tis fome flattering Prologue to
My death, fome plot to fecond the affront
38 The gentleman of Venice.
Of Malipiero with more fcorne to ruine me.
Enter Cornari mth a cafe of Pifiolls,
What art?
Cor. A friend.
Flo. That pofture and prefentment
Promife no great alfurance, yet there’s fomething
Within that noble frame would tempt me to
Believe thou art*
Cer. What ?
Flo. A black murderer. "*
Point not thy horrid fneffengers of death
Upon a man difarm’d, my bofome is
No proof againft thofe fiery Executioners,
How came I to defervefrom thee unknown
So black a purpofc, as thy lookes prefent me ?
I never law thy face, nor am I confeious
Of any aft, in whofe revenge, thou haft
Put on this horror, let me know my guilt
Before I die, although I never liv’d
At that poor rate to fear a noble death;
Yet unprepar’d, and thus to die, doth fomething
Stagger ray foul, and weaken my refolve
To meet thy Execution, thou haft
Too good a face to be a Mercenary
Cut-throat, and Malipiero would become
The hangmans office better.
Cor. You believe then.
How cafily I can command your deftine,
I have no plot with any Malipiero ,
And thus remove thy fears
He carries in the Ptfiolls and retHrnes.
Flo. Is he gone?
Cor. Y’are ftill within
My power, but call your felfe my gueft,not prifoner,
Awd if you be not dangerous to your felf
The Gentleman of V enice. g 9
Nothing is meant but fafety here and honor.
Flo. This does amaze me more;but do Italians
Compell men to receive their courtefies ?
Cor. I muft not give you reafons; yet for your
Surprize, you may receive a timely knowledge
And not repent. I am a Gentleman,
And by that name fecure thee, if you can
Fancie a peace with this reftraint, ’tis none
But fomething that may pleafe you above freedom,
If your unruly thoughts tempt a refiftance,
Death is let in, at every thing you look at.
Flo.Vlc leave my wonder and believe, what now
Mufti obey ?
Cor. Firft walk away your fright.
F/o.’risofF.
(SV.How do you like this gallery?
Flo. ’T is very handfome.
Cor. And thcle pictures.
Flo. Wei,
Cor. Your eyes are yet too careleffe, pray exa¬
mine ’em.
Flo. They cannot anfwer.
Cor. Now your opinion.
Flo. Very good faces.
Cor: Have your eyes ever
Met with a fubftance that might rtfleft
On any of thefe ftiadowcs fir in Venice >
Flo. Never.
Cor. Look a little bctter,is there nothing
Of more then common curiofity.
In any of thefe beauties.
Flo. I havefeen
Fair ones, what fhould this mean ?
Cor. But pray tel me,
c fome have prais’d for bandforamfs)
W hich doth affett you mod? I guefie you have
. By frequent view, and the converfe with Ladies
Ar-
4© 7 he gentleman of Venice,
Ariv’d at excclicnt judgement:
Flo. 1 did not
Expert this Dialogue, yet i’le be free,
I profefs ftranger to ’em all, but this Ipointmg to
I ihould elcft the faireft and moft worthy Claudia-
A mafeuline Embrace, I build upon na^
The promifeof your Honour, I fhould elfc
Be nice in my opinion.
Cor. You arc juft,
And 1 prefer that too, what will you fay
To call that Lady Miftris, and enjoy her ?
Shee’s noble to my knowledge, but enough
At this time. I muftpray your kind cxcufc
if(whilft)you walk into this room f Opening the
Flo. A fair one. Changing-.
Cor. Which is defign’d your lodging, I become
Your jailour, and make fore this Gallery
Til my return j be conftant to your temper.
There fhall be nothing wanting to procure
You fafe, and pleafant hours.
F/tf.Diftruft falles off.
I will expeft to find you noble, though
My faith bind not to all,and enter. Exit .
Cor. So.
I tread a maze too, but muft not refign
My office, till I perfeft mydefign Exit .
Enter Malipiero with Rofabella dancing,
[Dance'J Bernardo, Marcello,
Ber. Aftive Malipiero.
Mar, Excellent
They move as they had nothing elfe but foul.
Mai. So, drink, we are not merry, here’s a health
To my hen fparrow.
Mar.Le t it walk round.
Ber. What Rofabella' s healths before the dates-***-}
Half
The Gentleman of Veni ee.
Mai. Hang State?, and C ommonwealths we will
be Emperors;
And laugh, and drink away whole Provinces.
Shall we not dydapper?
Ro. What you pleafe, but will Signior
Ihomaz-obe'tierc prcfently, and bring-*- - •
Mai. The golden Fleece, thou Lady Gainever ,
And he (hall mount thy little modefty,
And ride like Agamemmni and (hall pay.for’t.
While we, like valiant Greekes in lufiy wine.
Drench the remembrance that we are mortal!.
More wine, my everlafting Marmofet.
Ber. Brave Malifiero (till ! our grand Signiors
health, [Drinfce*]
Signior Thomaz.o.
Mai. Let it come fquirrells,
And then a fong mySpretty Rojabella ,
Which of the Senators were here laft night
T o court thee with a draught of diflblv’d pearle ?
Be fupple to thy friends, and let thy men
i Of ftate,who hide their warp’t leggs in long gowns,
| And keep their wifdom warm in furrs like agues ,
: Moft grave and ferious follies, wait, and want
The knowledge of thy fidle, my dear Dowfabel.
Ro. What hath advanc’d your brain thus Malifiero ?
Y ou were not wont to talk at fuch a h eight.
There Is fomc mighty fortune drpoping, is
Your Uncle fick, whofeheiryouhopetobe >
Mai. Hang Uncles, there’s a damp in’s very name.
Wine, or I fink,- — — fonow thy fong, come fit.
Rosabella frtgs.
Ent er Thomaao with Marino.
Tho. Nay you (hall enter, Gentlemen, my friend.
Salute him, Malifiero , he is one
May
4 2 The Gentleman of Venice,
* May do usfervice.
Mar. fir! i’le take my leave.
7 ho. That were a jeft, you (hall ftay by this hand ,
Who ha’s the wine, drink to my noble friend,
Whilft I embrace my Queen of C artkagc.
^.Welcome. (Father*
Mai. 1 have feen this Gentleman wait ncre your
Tho. R i ght in his bedchamber, a fober Coxcombe,
We met by chance, let’s make him drunk, I have
The brave devi ces here boy.
Mai. Good : y’are welcome,
Fill me a tun of wine.
Mari. How Signior !
is too too little for a friend.
M^ri.They’l drown me, here’s a pretious knot
'l ho. I hugge thee Cleopatra, Gentlemen,
Am not I behind half a (core glades, fil, f He takes the
Come charge me home, i’le take it here u>ottle.
Mari. What will become of me? they mean to
drench
Me for the fullens, I am like to have
A very hue time, and employment here.
Tho. But ha’ you nere a banquet l
Rof. ’Tis preparing.
Tho Let it be as rich as the Egyptian Queen
Made for Mark. Anthony, in the mean time
What limb of wantonnefle have you ready for
My noble friend here, get him a fine fltfh (addle,
Or where’s thy mother, now I think upon’t.
He loves to ride upon a pad.
M.«-i.Not I fir.
Mai. Oh by all meanes Signior.
He (hall go to the price of any Ladyware.
M<®7.Who I? alas my tilting daies arc done, nay ,
nay, then
I’ie drink w’ee gentlemen, but 1 cannot tumble
Tho ,
43
The Gentleman cf V en ice.
Tho. Why then hercVto thee.
IVWt.No Lrdy warefor mefwcetMiftris,
I blulh to fay I cannot mount at this time.
Would I were off agen, polecat* for me >
Tho. Now gentlemen wipe your tyes C Sh'wes a
Mari. A Cabinet of rich Jewels. \cabimt.
* l ho . And how, and how (hew things?
Is’t fit we want to rtvcll, while my father
Ha’s thife toyes idle, we grope in the dark
And 1 jfe our way, while luch bright ftarre s as thefe
May light us to a wench ?
' Mari. Thete is no confidence in’t.
But what (hall we do with ’enk there’s a lull re
Hath ft uck me into a flame.
M at. Di ink half, and tumble out the reft
In featherbeds.
Tho. Where’s Rofabeltay to lend money >
Atari. Stay, fir.
She never can difburfe to half their valew,
Befide 1 know their (lie and coftive natu 1
I am acquainted with a Jew, are we
All faithful!? are there no traitors hei e
1 am acquainted with a Jew final furnifr. yoii
iTo purpofe, & tranfiport thde , where they.fnannot
Betray from whence they came; tiuft hei ’tis dan¬
gerous,
Bcfides the learning of your mirth, by a
Penurious Son, give me the Cabinet -
Y’are fureall thefeare friends, & will fay nothing?
Tho. I warrant thee;what luck had I to meet him.
Mai. Will you truft him ?
7£<?.Hee’$ one of tit, make haft, a mighty fiumme.
Atari, l’le bring a ftorme of Duccats initantlv.
Exit.
7 ho. So,,fo to’th wine agen.
Atal, You need not fpend the total here,! have uk
/ . D F »r
44. The Gentleman of Venice.
For forty ofthofe Duccats.
Tho. S’hat have fifty.
Mai. Thefe gentlemen are out of figlcavc? too.
Some frefher robes would fhew well.
yko. They fhall have
New skins my Holofernes.
Mai. l’ie have half.
B. M. A match.
Mai. Wine, to our Generaliffimo.
T ho. That’s 1, 1 underftand the Metaphor.
It (hall have law, oh for fome trumpets now.
Mai. T antarra rara boyes,outrore the winds
And drink the fun into Eclipfe, hang iniching.
But where’s my wanton Pinnace >
Ber, Boorded by
Some man of war by this time.
Mar. She is fpoon’d away.
Mai. My top and top gallant gone? ha/ are then
Pirates
Upon thefe Goafts; give fire upon the water-rats,
And fhoot pell mell, fight as a whirlewind Hinges,
Difordering all,, what man of Menaces
Dare look awry upon my Cattamountaine l
Tho. Not I: now hce’s got rampant, heel kill fom
body.
Ber. You muft not be affrighted, to’ther lift
And be a Giant eke, and talk of terrors
With words Olympus high.
Tho. Will that do’t?
Ber. Oh fir.
Tho. Give me the bottle then ?
Mai. Suppofe thou wert my Uncle now, con
hither.
Hold thy head fair* that I may whip it off.
Mar. Mine’s nothing like , Bernardo has bee
taken
Ft
45
The Gentleman of Venice.
For your Uncle Signior.
Mai. How dart you be like
The rogue my Uncle firra ?
Ber.l fir>’tis
Signior Thomaz>e that fee means, and fee
' For very fear his head fales off r 7 hmaz? was
Mai. Reach it me, 3 drinti** and
i l’le drink a health, then in his skull. (.IWCnie^
Tho. Who talkes of me, who dares
mention
A thought of me> where be the dainty duccats?
Enter Marino.
Mari.Thc moneie’s coming fir, fix men are laden*
And will be here immediately.
Mai. Thou (halt drink
A health, kneel venerable fir.
Tha. Be humble.
Thou man of Mailt go } or thou dyeft ( ,
Mari , I do fir. \KneeUs']
Mai. To the Town, a fire.
Mar. What dee mean Signior.
7 bo. He has a v?ry good meaning, never doubt it.
Ma/.That you (hall pledge, or forfeit your lconce
tome.
None (hall have the honor to p’edge this health.
But this whay bearded Signior,
7*VNow do my braincs tumble, tumble, tumble—
Mai. give ichim.
And drink it with devotion as I did.
Tho. I long to fee thefe double, double — hickets
But where’s the Cockatrice, this whirl gigge i
Is my head faft ?
Mar. The ferue is firm, fu peft not.
Mari. I dare not pray nor ask forgive nefle here.
Tho, Do not my braines now turn upon the toe.
D 2 Mai.
4 6 The Gentleman of V eni ce. ,
M al. Do you hear my doughty Signior Thomaz^^i
Wo ’not you kil theDuke,yuUrgrace!efs father now? '
Tho. Yes marry will I. (night,!,
Mai. You (hail let him into the Chamber one1,
Where he (hall ftrangle him.
Tho. O 1 1 can play upon his windpipe rarely.
Mai. Wec’l fee ( a*ce mark )• fome corner of the
Palace
A fire, at the fame time, and in that hurry
Break into the T rea(ury,rake what we think fit,
And fteal away by Sea into another Country.
JVWi.Moft admirably contriv’J;the men arc come.
Enter Officers.
Tho. Hey, the money boyes?
W/hr/.Difarme . he traitors. (trick?
Mai. Plots , ambufeadoes, are thefe your Jewf
Mari. Pi wait til you have flept away your furreit.
Here in the heufe.
Tho. Which is the Jew of all thefe? li
M^i/.We are cheated by a Court-nap. (Jewells
Tho. Mv friend, are you the Jew? where be rhi
M art. Truth is, I have fen t the Jewels toyouijj
Father,
And he will lend no money.
Tho. No money ?
M al. But muft we go to prtfon 1
Tho. F;e to prifon with e’m fpighto* your teeth j
Mari. Not, till you have flept, this wajj
Exit, with Tht
Enter Rofabella. (
Fo. The Banquet’* ready gentlemen. * K
Mai. A rtfeue. li
We are fnatch’d up for traitors, we are betraid,
And going to prifon.
Re. Who paies for the wine aad banquet - M*
The Gentleman of Venice. 4 7
Mai. Why any living body, that has a fcruple
In’s Confidence, for the loiTa of thy dear Comfits ,
\nd Carrawaies, away, lead me ye rogues.
’le not march elle, and let us make a (hew,
Vly fine officious rafcills, on afore,
follow in fit flute, fo farewell firelock.
Rof. I fhall be undone.
Mai. Undoing is thy trade,
March on I lay. Exeunt.
Ad. 4.
Enter Cornari, after him Claudiana.
?lau.X7 Our p'eafure fir ; you did command my
f prefence.
Cor. Are you com ? you and I muft not be
Interrupted Claudiana.
Claud . Why do you (hut your Chamber 1
Cor.Wtc muft be private,
riuw does my life ?
C/au. Well fir, if you Be fo.
Cor. 1 have a fute to thee, my bcft CaUdiani.
Clatt. To mt ? t muft be granted.
Cor That’s well faidj
3ut ’tis a bufinefle (fweet) of mighty confequcnce ,
More pretious then my life.
Cla. GoodnelTe forbid
i (hould not give obedience to the le ft
Of your command?, but> when y nr life requires
Myfervice,I (hould chide my heart, and ih . tight*
Unlefle they put on wings to (hew their duty.
CW\Nay,’tis a bulinefle (w et will (peak thy love.
D 3 Cla.
48 The Gentleman of Venice.
Cor. Thou knowcft how many years fince the
Prieft eyed
Our holy knot, with what religious flowing
Of chaft and noble love our hearts have met,
Howmanybleffingshavel lumm’d in thee ,
And but in thee for unto this, Heaven gave not
(That which indeed doth Crown all Marriage,)
Children, thou haft been fruitfull Cl*udi*n*
In all that’s good, but onely fruicfulnclle;
And when I think who in my want of that
Great bldling of thy womb, muft be my heir,
A bafe and impious villain, to poflefle
And riot in my fpacious fortunes, I
Forget that other happinefle in thy perfon,
And let in a vexation to confume me.
Cl a. I know not what to fear, it is heavens will
And not my fault*
Cor , Oh no, the fault is mine,
All mine Claudiam , for thou art not barren .
*TisI, a man pr. digious and mulfted
By nature, without faculty of man
To make our marriage happy, and preferve
This tair; this lovely figure, be at peace
And let me blufh, a thing not worth the love
Of fuch a bounteous fweetnefife.
Cl*. Let me fall I Kneeles ]
Beneath that which fuftaines me, ere I take
In a beleef, that will deftroy my peace.
Not in the appr henfion of what
You frame to accufe your fell, but in fear
My honour isbetraid to yourlufpition;
Oh kill me fir, before I lofe your thought.
Your noble thought.
Cor. R-ife, with thy tears I kiffe
Away thy tremblings; I fufpeft thy honor ?
My heart will want faith to believe an Angel,
That
The Gentleman of Venice. 4c
That fhould traduce thy fair name, thou art chaft
<\.s the white down of heaven, whofe feathers play
Upon the wings ofa cold winters gale,
Trembling with fear to touch the impurer earth.
How are the rofcs frighted in thy cheekes
To palenefTe, weeping out of tranfparent dew:
When a loofe ftory is but nam’d.^ thou art
The miracle ofa chaft wife, from which fair
Originall, drawn out by heavens own hand.
To have had one Copie, 1 had write perfection
To all my wilhes here , but ’tis denyed me.
Nor do 1 mock thee with a fable, wnile
1 miferably complain, convinc’d, and loft
fn my own Mafcu'ine defeft, biit yet
[ love thee C landiam, doft not think fb ?
And after fo much injury, I bring
Not my repentance onely, but a juft
And noble fatisfa&ion.
C'U. You opprefTe
My fences with the weight of new amazement,
j Cor. I muft be clear, thou muft embrace another—
Another in my bed, whom from the world
I have made choice to know thee, be not frighted ,
This way is left, and this alone to recompence
My want, and make both happy.
Cla. I embrace
Another in your bed ?
Cor. Doft think I would
Attempt, or wifh thee to’t , without a care
In every circumftancc to both our fames >
C7<*.Fame? are you matter of your reafon?dare you
Provoke heaven thus ?
Cor. Heaven onely (hall be witnefle,
Whofe fecrefie i’ie truft, but not another*.
Befide the principall agent, to get heaven.
Cla. Y’are no Italian fure.
D 4
5© The Gentleman of Venice.
Cor. Yes, and thy husband,
A juft one to thy memory, that would
Cancell his faith, rather then be a ftrift
Idol ter of words, and fevere Iawes,
To the deftroying offo fweet a figure;
I would not have thee flye like birds i’ch aire.
Or fhippes that leave no traft, to fay here was ,
So rich a bkfling, rather like a plant
Should root,and grow, and bloom, & bear for ever.
Cla. l’me loft for ever.
Cor. Be wife and meet my wifhes, ’cis my love
That h ath ’orccome all nice confide rings
To do thee juftice. Nor will I intrude
Upon thy bofome one (hall be unwelcome,
Hee’s honorably born, of comely perfon.
But has a fouleadcfes glory tb ’em both,
A boy from him, born toniy name and fortunes
Leaves not another wealth tc my ambition. '
T o raife thy free confent my Claudiana ,
’Tis he, Whom thou doft think worth thy owne
praift”,
The gentleman v'&orious forhis parts,
So late in Vemce. theEnglifh Cavalier.
Cla. I am undone.
Cor. To be fhort,
I have furpriz’d his perfon for this ufe.
He hath been many daies an obfcure gueft
Within the lodgings next the Garden, for
I mull confeffe 1 have had ftrugl ings in
My nature, and have fate in Councell ’gainft
My felfe fometime, touching this great affair,
But 1 have anfwer’d every thing oppos’d it.
And took this time to acquaint thee. „
Cla. Good fir kill me.
Or. I will, 4
And him i«), ifyetrd^‘ 'lot; and make
The
51
The Gentleman of Veince.
The projeft as I caft it_> be not obftinate,
Why, h? fhali nere difcover who thou art,
]f thou be faithfull to thy {elf, thou maift
Pretend thy felf fome pleafant bona roba.
Or take what name, and (feapethou wilt.
Cla. There’s none
Gan hide my fhame, or wafh the ftain away;
Cor. What fhame or (ta n is in’t when it is kept
A fecret darker then the book of deftinic
From mankind >
Cla. Am I praftis’d in thofe arts ?
Of fin that he (hould take me for a Gurtefan >
Nay, rather let me be known, your wife.
It will oblige him more to u(e m; well, (him.
And thank your loving paines that brought me to
If I muft be a whore, and you a - — -
Cor. Stay, and I a— what. ^I bleed within me.
Cla. This key will make the Chamber free, I
follow. '
Gonfider fir, l’me elfe undone for ever Ex.
Cor. Why if he know me for her husband, ’tis
Without a name, I can fecure my honor,
And fend him quickly to eternall filence-
Fme refolv’d they muft obey, proceed,
A little blood will wafti away this deed. Ex.
Enter Duke3 Senators , Attendants , Letters
upon a Table.
Du ke Our City drooping with the xvounds fo late
Receiv’d, is now to ftudy with what joyes
To entertain fo great a vi&ory.
Treuifo is return’d to our obedience,
Almoft without a Ioffe, how many fell
On the adverfe part, ;hofe papers fignific,
And muft enlarge our tryumph : but is’c not
Strange what our generall writes of G^vanni ,
Whofc
5 2 The Gentleman of Venice.
Whofe fpirit he admires, and forward valour.
Referring to his bold attempt, our Conqueft,
That he advanc’d his head and fword firft on
The enemies walls, which inflam’d our army
To fecond him with courage, and that after
With his own hands he flew their generall,
Whofe fall (hot death and trembling through their
Army.
Can. Where is Gitvami >
Du. He is by direction of our generall
Now marching hither, to his onely conduft.
The Captives are remitted, and his aft
By us to be confidered, bpt we have
Sent order for the placing of his Prifoners
Securely, and commanded he (hould here
Attend our pleafure
C^#.The young Gardiner i
Du. The fame, whofe early valour takes away
The prejudice of humble birth, and ought
To be encourag’d nobly.
OtH.’Tis but juftice.
v Enter Marino.
Is’c poffible the Gardiners Son (hould fo
Behave himfclf in war,
He will deferve fome honor for’t.
Du. Why may not
Our power difpencc,and though his low condition
By our rule exempt him ( for his gallant ferviee
Done) now create him gentleman of Venice ,
With a noble penfion from our treafury
To bear his title up?
Can.VJe give it ftrangers ,
Whofe birth we not examine.
He defer ves it.
Du. Let him receive no favour
For
53
The Gentleman of Venice.
For his relation to me, but take
His place and punilhment wich the reft, away
; I caft him from my thought. Exit Marine*
! Can Why comes not
Our Generali himfrlf?
j • Da. Reafons of war
May yet compell his ftay, hec’s to repair
Some breaches which cur Souldiers made, St wifely
By fome new fortification, fecure
The Town if the Enemy Ihould reinforce.
Att. Signior Giovanni wattes.
Enter Mar.
Da. Hath hedifpos’J
By our direftion thole prifoners were
Sent by our Generali?
Atten. He hath andpleafe your exceilencie.
Da. Admit him.
Enter Giovanni plum’d and brave
Georgio his fervant
Qio. All health and honor to the Duke and Senate.
Da. We thank thee Giovanni , and will fpare
Your trouble to relate what we have gain'd
l’th warjOur General writes how much our Venice
Doth owe to you, whole maiden yet bold valour
Hath wrought our fafety, and fupprtft the late
Infolent Genowefe.
Gio. Y our bounty makes
That mine, which I want merit fir to challenge,
But if my will to ferve my Country f for
Befide that name and warm-dc fires, I dare (cherilh
Gall nothing mine ) y’are pleas’d to accept and
A young mans duty, you will teach me in
The nexc employment to del? rve i ndeed.
Till when, you lofe not>to have built upon
This humble pile, a monument of your goodnefle ,
54 The gentleman of Venice.
To tell the world, although mifplac’d on me,
You love a growing vertue.
TDh. Th is Giovanni ?
His words taft more of courtier then thcGarden.
To Ihew we und- rftand, and to that knowledge
Have will to recompence the deleft, Giovanni
The Senate bidds you ask, what in your power
Your thought can aim at. to reward your fervice.
And you (ball foon poflrflc it.
Geo. A k,ask qu'ckly,
A hundred thoufand double double duccats.
’Twil ferve us both,do’t, beggars muft be impudent.
Gio. Now you deftroy what elfe might live to
ferve you,
This grace will make me nothing, when I call
My airy worth to ballance, keep thofc glorious
Rewards for men borne, and broughtnp in honor i
That may be great and able Golumnes to
Your ever envyed ftrte; alas I rife
Like a thin reede beneath this Common-wealth,
Whofe weighr, an Atlas muft luftain like heaven.
This favour is too mighty, and if you
Command me, ask a juft reward, *tis nothing. ,
Geo. You had as good ha faid nothing, l blulh
for you.
You know many Souldiers
So modeft, to refufe pay, or preferment >
They cannot have it fometimes, after many
Petitions to the State, and now their miudes
Are foluble and apt to powre out favours.
You to be fo maidenly—*
Gio. May I credit
With pardon of your wifdomes, that you mean
To encourage thus the low born Giovanni >
Geo. Now he makes queftum of their honefty too.
Oh limple fouldicr.
‘The Gentleman of Venice. 55
Dt*. We look not at thy root, but at thy bloffom.
And as a pi « terver ot our Country
We offer up a gratitude, conlult
With thvbetf judgement, ( though befide this aft
O his abroad) I can give no account [Afuie J
.W y 1 Ihould I ve this young man, or prefer him,
I known r by what myftery, I have (tunc,
Hadth lights to wifh him more then common for-
A d 'his occafion ot his merit offered.
I will puifue.
Geo Do as I counfell you, and remember, I
Have left my fortunes, and my trade to ferve you.
Gio. Call it not pride ft I be willing to
Believe your excell«nce,that I have dons
S* mthing your goodnefll prompts you to reward,
And he grave Senate, 1 have thought.
Du. Be free.
Geo Now do I expeft to be half a Senator at lead.
Gio. And fince you rajfe my aft to fuch a merit,
I will not asK a thing too much beneath it.
Geo. W Ji -aid Vaunt}*
Gio. And (hame your bounty; yet I may bar
You will not grant - — ■
Geo. AgCii?
Du. Name it wih confidence.
Gio. I lc ok at no rewaid of gold.
Geo. How’s that? hee’sout on’s part.
Gio. 1 know not.
By what fate I contemn it, norat titles
Of honor, or command, or what can trench
On ftace or wealth.
Geo. I thank yee heartily,
I mnft to digagen.
Gio. Employ fuch gifts,
To pay fonte flight, and mercenary foules.
That make their end of good, reward, and not
I.
5 6 The Gentleman of V enicer
Itfelfe, but fince you have impos’d l ihould
Make choyce of fomwhat know my ambition aims—
Du. At what ?
Gio. It is too great a happinefle, but I now
Goniider I have pratled to the wind.
What I defire is not within your power.
And what you may command, not in my wiflics.
For I would ask Bellaura'. can you make
Me fit tor filch a blcfling? no, you cannot,
llnlefle I were unborn, and (hould agcn
Come forth, not Giovanni , but the Son
Of fome bright name, and this world-taking honor.
Dh. Bellaura > ((range requeft.
Enter Marino and Bellaura.
Mar. Madem I dare not
Be feen, if you prevail,! (hall attend,
And put his mercy into aft. Exit.
Du. Shee’s here.
Bel. 1 have a fuit to your highneffe.
Du. Me Bellaura ?
Bel. About your Ion, whom men to your dilhonor
Lead like fome bafe offender.
Du. I muft fpeak
The caufe into your ear. C Whifpers to her J
Gio. I was too blame
To mention her fo publick, but my heart
Grew tick with filence, and their propofitioni
To ask what I defir’d moft, prevail’d
Againft myreafon:
D«. Leave him to me, Bellaura.
Do you < bferve that gentleman ?
Bel ’Tis Giovanni.
He does become the fouldier.
Du. He has done wonders
Abroad, and quit our gratitude, to be
Onely by you rewa. d*d, can you love him >
BeU
The Gentleman of V enice. 57
Bel. I underftand you not.
Dtf.And marry him ?
Bel. How have I loft my felf, fince I became
Your charge, a legacie bequeath’d your care
By 5»y dead father, the late Duke of Venice,
That you ftiould hink I can defeend with fuch
Forgetful I nefic of my felf, my birth or fortunes
To place my love on one fo poorly born.
Du. You blufh. Bel. ’tis anger in my blood to hear
him nam’d. [ To Giovanni ]
You] pay me courfely for my charity.
Learn modefty hereafter to be gratefull.
1 ha done we’e fir Exit.
Geo. Do you heer the tit"? be wife.
And look at ready money, ’tis a better
Commodity then any Lady in Chriftendom;
Gw. Pray difmifs,
And pardon Giovanni. I am fatisfied.
For your own honor let not my ambition
Be told abroad, i’le check and punilh my
Afpiring thoughts hereafter.
Du. Ysu have leave.
Come gentlemen,
He is in love.
Du. 1 pitty him. Exit. Duke and Senator.
Geo. What (hall become of us now by your folly ?
Gio. Wee’l to the Garden George , and there begin
Another grouth, for what we have’s defpis’d.
Geo. I knew I fhould return to my dear dunghill.
Gio. Iprethee fee the armour which Btllama
Bellow’d on me, brought home.
Geo . Your armour? yes
We might have worn foft natur’d (ilk, and you had
Been rul’d by me, a pox of love for my part,
9 Tis good for nothing, but to make things dear.
Gio. l’ie be reveng’d upon my ftarrs, that made
Me
^ 3 The gentleman of Venice.
Me poor, and dye forgotten in my (hade Ext
A 7 able prepar'd, two tapers. Enter Florclli,
Flo. 1 find no great devotion in this
Monaftick life, the Maior Domo promis’d
A Miftris here of that complexion,
But I like not this folitude.
And tedious expectations,
1 (hall nere do thingshandiomly.
Give me freedonte and fair play.
And turn me to a harpy, but to be thus
Compell’d to an imbrace (for thats the meaning
Of my flie Signior,if it be not worfe )
Fed high to encounter with an Amazon,
I know not?tis not well, nor confcionable
In my opinion: I hear tome bufie
About the lock.
Enter Cormri.
My Jaylor? What now fellowes ?
Sir, if I muft ha my throat cut, as much
Better I do not hope, though I deferve not
That bounty from your hands , 1 live f > dully,
I would requeft you fet a time, and’t be
A day or two, to pray and think of matters.
And then turn me loofe to the other world!
Cor. Read that. (gives him a paper']
He (hannot fee my blufhes, I muft pitty
Thee Clandiana, but my flubborn fate
Will have it fo, it is to make thee live
Although we both muft fuffer, and I like
A father thus, whofe child at play upon
A rivers bank, is fain into the ftrearo,
Leap in, and hazard all to fave a little.
But I muft on Exit*
Flo. Amazement Circles me,
Such wonders are not read in every Marriage,
What (hall I doe? madnefle to queftion it.
I
%9
The Gentleman of Venice.
I muli refolve or die? fince there’s no help,
’Tis fomething if (he be bat like that face
To comfort my proceeding.
Enter Cornari leading bis wife Veild.
Cer. Be bold, and take as lent this treafure from file,
I muft expett it back agen with intereft. clocks the
FA? The dore is faft agen,here is a prefident
For husbands that want heirs to their eftate. *’
; A goodly perfon. Plcafe you Lady, to
! UnveiH a rich and moft inviting beauty, [jhe unveils ]
I am all flame, (hall I take boldneffe, after
My duty paid your white hand, to afpire
And touch your lip— now could I wifh to dwell 1
here. [ he kjffcs ]
G an you read Lady > ( Signior r she takes the
She turnes away her face. I hope my \Jeper & turns.
Has taken paines to bring her to the bufinefle^
And not left me to break her : can (he fpeak ?
Thofe lines (I know not how you like ’em Madam)
Were none of my invention, the character,
I guefle to be your husbands/ 1 am here
A prifoncr to his will, to which unlefle
You give obedience, I have took leave
Of day for ever, deftin’d by his.vow
To an eternall (hade. O Exit Clauds duds
Shc'leads the way;
Conference be calrne, no grumblings now of piety.
Giovanni. The -pieces of Armour hung upon feve-
rall trees FLoberto5Urfiila.
Gte. ^TpHefewefe the excellent Bellaur£% gife,
X Of no ufe now to mt,bu c to keep frelh
v.O E The
6o The Gevt'.emanof Venice.
The memory of my dreams and that I lov’d her.
I fee how paflion did blind my reafon,
And my prodigious hopes vanilh’d to air
Have left me to contemplate my own vanity.
Ro. I know not, but if I may credit Georgio
That did wait on thee to the Senate, thou
Haft loft an opportunity , that might
Have made u&a.itClariJJw<fs Giovttnm.
I might tiave kept my reverend Mules, and had
My'Ci-opper worfhipped by the Plebeians ,
And Urfala here been Madam heaven knowes what.
And did you wifely to reiufe >
Ur. Nay, nay X know
He was not bot n to do us good, not ftoop
To take preferment fromthe Duke and Senate?
Ro. Well,*twa$ his modefty.
Uk. . He learn’t it not from me.
Ro. No more— — — —
Ur. Ton wil be alwaies taking his part againft me.
But I know, whatl know, and that’s a fecrct.
Here comes the t’other Dunderhead,
Enter Georgio. ' ,
Geo. The armour is hung up already, this
We muft all come to. .
Rf>. What to the Gibst Georgiy > r Pointing n
Geo. Matter look here. \the Helmet.
Ifytiu; had but this hole to put your head in.
It would be a great pretervative to your hearing.
And keep out all the nolfe, ofmy Dames Quivering,
Within this fortification vyell lock’d up. (per.
You would think her l$udt$ -residing a meer whif-
Urf. AVhat’s that you talk of your Dame firra i
Geo. .Oh dame, I have newes for you.. (cern? |l \
Urf.Vqr me?whac4sU?whom does your new’s con- i
Geo. One that you love with ally our heart. j
Rd. Who is’t knave?
Cm
The Gentleman of Venice.
Geo. Knave ? call your word in, and eat it, Tie ad-
vifc.
You may fare worfe:you do not hear the news then?
Urf I (hall when you’i find utterance.
Geo. The newes— ■ -■
We arc all of one Religion ?
Ro. Out with it.
Ge. Every thing is not to be talk’d on.
Ro. So it ifeems by your concealment.
Urf. Shall we hear it ?
Gw. Yes? Signior Thomaz.o'—
Urf. What of him ? (tlerilaii.
Gw. There’s a gentleman, and you talk of a gen~
Urf. What of Tbomaz.oi now am I longing;
Gw. 1 heard, as I came hither—*
Vrf What?
Ro. Let us hear too.
Urf. What? be brief.
Gw. That he is to lofe his head Miftrifs — *■». ;
Urf. Now a thoufand blifters upon chat tongur?,’
Gw. But you do not know for what, miftrille
there’s it.
You are fo angry ftill at half a bufinefle.
Urf. F or what is he to luffer? oh my heart 1
Gw. For nothing but high tfeafon;
Ro. How ?
Geo. You ha’not patience, to hear a ftory out.
Ro. High treafon faid hefthat’s a Ihrewd bufinefj,
Urf. T homaz.o lofe his head ? .
Ro. So it feems.
Urf B. ttcr thy generation Were headlcffc.
Gw. I told you but in good will, becaufe I knew
You lov’d him. I ha done. Exit .
Urf. Paflxon O my dear heart! i’le to the Duke
My fclf, and beg his pardon.
Ro. You’l make
E z You?
6 2 The Gentleman of V enice.
Your felf a party in the treafon, will you t
You’l beg hi* pardon, you1! beg a halter.
And fooncr ’twill be granted.
Urf. Giovanni ,
Sweet Giovanni , there’s a funlhine word.
Deere child go with us.
Ro. lls> doft think i’legoe
And run my head into the hempe ~i
Vrf, Be ft hony-fuckle !
One word of hine will ftrike the pardon dead.
Gi' Ide rather go a pilgrimage.
"Urf. Thou fhalc go a pilgrimage, another time
T o the worlds end I charge thee on my blefting, .
And husband you muft gotoo.
Ro. No, no not I.
I thank you Urfula, i’le not have niy foot
Nor hand in any treafon.
Urf Is it fo much to kne;l> you Hull fay nothing.
lliiielFe you pieafe, leave all the ralk to me,
Ro. I wo’notgo, though the Duke fend for me.
Urf How? that’s a piece a treafjn.
R*.So,if I go nor,
Shce’i betray me too j well Giovanni (hall go too.
Where is he ?
Vrf. Let me alone to conjure him.
Shall we go presently, delaies are dangerous.
The rafcall George is gone too, allforfake me
In ray diftrefie.
Ro . What will you fay Vrfula , (on you?
When you come there; what will the Dukes ihlnk
Or who (hall fuffer for your impudence ?
And what? that is con(iderable,I have
No mind to go agen.
Vrf. Then I’le (poile the Garden,
Break up the hedges, and deface the works
Your darling Gtovanni made; i’le let in
A
The Gentleman cf Veni ce. 6%
■ A regiment offwinc , and all their Officers
To undermine the Caftie he made laft,
• And fortified with Cannon, though 1 dye fort.
Ro. More treafon, well I will go, but I hope
: You wo’not trudge this evening, if we muft
Rcfolve upon’t, let us do things difcreetly.
Vrf. That was well faid, nay, I am for dilcr ctic n
For all my hall.
Ro. I think it mod convenient
To wait his bufinefie, coming forth his Chamber
To morrow morning Vrfu/a, and then let
Good natures work, to nights no time.
We mull confult ourPillowesjwhattofay;
And how to place our words.
Vrf. Now ’t is my bell
Pigeon, la’s home inllantly.
Ro. A fober pace goes far, not too fall Frfala3
Remembrlng the Proverb, and what followes;
We Ihould march flow to lave me from the gallows.
Exit.
Enter Cornari with a Piftoll and a rapier. Floreili.
Cor. Y ou have had your time of pleafure, can you
pray ?
Flo. Pray, what do you mean Signior. (manded
Cor. The Lady whom you have enjoy’d, com-
I fhould prefent one of thefe two, or both
In token of her gratitude.
Flo. This cannot
Be earned fir.
Cor. Thefe are the Jewells
Which you muft wear fir next your heart: how de’e
Affeft the luftre of this toy? ’tis bright,
But here’s a thing will fparkle.
Flo. 1 am loft.
Is this the pro'mife of my fafety?
Cor . Yes,
64 The Gentleman of Venice.
This willfecure all, thou dull Ilander,?
’Caufe you can dance, and vault upon a hobbihorfe,
De’e think to mount Madcnas here, and not
Pay for the fweet Carreere.Fool, to thy prayers,'
For when thefe meflengers falute thy heart.
Thy foul (hall find, Pin an Italian,
And wo’not truft a life to him, whofe tongue
Commands my honor.
Flo. Art a Chriftian?
Cor. As much as comes to a Venetians faith.
That believes no man is moreto fit die
Thenhe,that has been capering with my wife.
Flo. Ye cannot fir forget I was betrai’d,
Awake thy confidence, and let that anfwer
1 have obey’d a dire neceflity ,
And was brought hither by a ftratagem.
CV.’Tis all one Signior; I prefume you gave
Confent to the deere matter of delight.
Which is not held convenient you fliould talk of.
Flo. Hold.
Cor. Hope not to breath ten minutes, gather up
Thole thoughts you would have wait upon you to
Another world.
Flo. Then ’as high time to think
Of other matters, though you have cruelly
Refolv’d there is no fafety for your fame.
To let me ftill be numbred with the living,
f Which ifyourfeattered reafon were collefted,
I could refute,) but l’le not hope it now, )
Since moft ignobly ’gainft the rules of honor.
And faith already forfeit, you will make
This undefenced pile your facrifice,
Yet do not kill me twice.
Cor. T wice ?
Flo . Such a rage
Were infinite^ pra&ifc not cruelty
Upon
The Gentleman of V enice, 6 5
Upon my tecond life, by murdering my
Eternity, allow to my [3ft breath,
I Leave to difeharge the weight of many finnes
Into the bofome of feme confeflor.
Cor. This may be granted, ’cis not muchunrea'*
fonable.
Flo. Your charity will think it fit to allow
! Some minutes to collett my felf.
Cor. Tofhew
My defign has no malice in’t, i’le do
Your foul that office, though our bodies muft not
Enjoy this aire together many howrs.
l’le fend one to you. Exte.
Flo . The innocence of a Saint,
VVod not fecure his life from an Italian
When his revenge is fixe. In what black hour
Did Ifalutc the world, that I am thrown
Upon fohard afate> it is not fit
To expoftulate with heaven, or I could fay
Something in my defence, (as I am man )
To keep this mighty rock from tailing on me.
My tutelar Angell be at counfcll with
My thoughts, and if there be a path of fafety
Direft my trembling fteps to find, and taft it.
Enter Cornari in a Friers habit.
Has kept his word, and ’tis no time to trifle.
As y’are a Prieft, and by that facred order
And fcapular you wear, not onely hear me
But ufe your pious art to fave from ruine
A man condemn’d for that which heaven and you
Call vertue, for not doing a black deed
Would damn three foules at once, 8t if your power
Cannot prevail for mercy to my life,
I challenge you when I am dead, to be
A witneflc of my innocence. ,
C«r. This has
$ 6 ibeG entleman of V enice.
N o fliape ofa conftffioo.
Flo , Nor do I
Under that holy feal difcourfe aftory, '
Yet Father I muft throw my felf upon
Your Charity. Know therciore 1 am bctraid ,
And by the plot of him that owes this Palace
(Whofe name is never like to meet my knowledge)
Snatch'd up, one fatall evening, and forc’d hither
By forne dark minifters he had employ’d
(I know not which way)te this fatall chamber.
I Ihudder but to name what impious aft
Again!! his own, and his dear Ladies honor
He had ddign’d for me; Her chafter foul
Should have been ftain’d, in his diflruft of heaven.
To bleflfe him with an heir,- and her white rreafure.
By me a Granger rifled, had not providence.
Chain’d up our blood, f© ;hat the hours he gave
Tofervehis black ambitidn, and our luft ,
We onely fpent in prayers for his converflon.
C or. Ha.
Flo. This yet he knowes not, and it is not fafe
To appear in our own vertue, fincethe juftice
We did our peace, in crcfling his expeftance
May improve his rage to both our ruines. This
Sad ftory frights you, there is horror in’t.
But ’us an hour, thelaft, without fomc miracle
To refeue me("a man difarm’d) from violence.
Nor dare I mock heaven now, or hang upon
My foul the burden of a lie, when tis
Taking her laft eternall flight, It is not
A fear to dye affiifts me, with my faith
And innocence about me; I have look’d
Death in the lace, and be it thought no boaft
To fay, I have taught others by example
To march up to the uglieft face of danger.
The Gentleman of Venice. <v
But to die thus dilhonorably> to be
Sent out o’th world i’th dark, with 3Ut a name
Or any account to thole, to whom I owe
My blood, and birth? perfons that carry names
Of honor in my Country >This doth ftagger me
To quit my life, and inay excufe my addrefie
To you, who have Authority from heaven
To take his fury off, whom otherwife
I expeft my/violent executioner.
I have Tome tremblings for his Lady, whofc (on,
£foft holy tears, ftream'd through my foul compafli-
And charm’d my blood, tears,if he durft have pati¬
ence
Were powerful! enough to beg from heaven
That bieffing which he fondly thinks to haften.
With Ioffe oi his eternity.
Cor. No more.
Exit Conrari haftily^having thrown of the habit
E nter again with C laudiana.
Forgive me, oh forgive me C landiana.
And if my fin of forcing thy obedience
Beyond the rules of honor, and of marriage
Have not quite murd’red thy affeftion;
With me a little life for my repentance.
Cl. I j >y to hear this from you.
FI. There’s work within me, andfo deep a feufe
Of my own fhame and forrow, that 1 feel
My heart already weeping out a bath
To make thee white agen.
C/a. Sir, in what belt
I underftand,Imuftaskyou forgiveneffe.
Cor. Ha mine, for wnat, betraying thee to dark-
neffe i
Cla. For difobeying your command.
Cor. Thou didft
The impious aft by my defign, which takes
Thy
6 8
The Gentleman of Venice,
lit away, and fpreads the leprofie
Upon my felf.
CVd.Although you kill me fir,
I muft remove the cloud, and let you fee
Me as I am,tiot chang’d from my firft innocence.
Cor. Poffible?
Cl. Moft eafi e, where there is
A chaft refolve, and I muft tell you fir.
Although I wanted courage to oppofe
Your paflion, when your reafon, and religion
Were under violence ofyour will, my heart
Refolv’d to try my own defence, and rather
Then yeeld my felf a Ihamefull fpoile to luft,
By my own death to quit my name from fcandall 5
But providence determin’d better for me.
And made rae worth a ftrangers piety.
Whom your chice meant the ruine of my honor;
If this want entertainment in your faith*
’Tis peace to my poor heart that I have many
White witnefles in Heaven.
Cor. You have done no feats then ■
My wife is chaft.
Flo. I cannot fir engage
My laft breath to a nobler truth.
Cor. Tisfo . - Ex.C/a ,
You may withdraw Claudiana-, by what
Has been expreft, though I am fatisfied.
You are not guilty in the fa& , as I
Expe&ed, *cis not fafe, when 1 confider
My own fame in the ftor y, that you live fir.
I muft not truft you longer with a fecret#
That by my tameneffe may hereafter fpread
The infamy abroad: there’s no avoiding-’--
Flo. Then I muft die.
Cor. Perhaps you have fome hope
This
7 be gentleman of Venice. 6$
Thisengine may deceive me, and my fortune
Nor com t ’g better arm’d, give you the advantage
To ufe your ftrength, upon mv ftngle perion!
Iknowyouaresftive, hut i’ie make hire work. Ex.
Flo. Till now I did not reach the precipice.
My heart would mutinie, but my hands are naked,
And can do nothing.
Enter C orntiri with Bravos arm'd.
A knot of murderers/ arme me with a fword.
And let me die lighting againftyouall.
l’leiayy’are noble hangmen, and not throw
One curfc among you.
Cor. I’ve one word to fay fir.
Let none approach.
The fatall doom I threatned is revers’d;
Throw off your wonder, and believe you may
Live long, if not in Venice;, and your lafety
Is more confirm’d at Diftance, you are noble.
An honor to your nation. Here is gold,
I know not how you may be furnifhed fir
For travcll hence, bills of exchange may faiL
| Thefe will defray a prefent charge; betray
i No wonder, take it.
Flo. I’le accept your bounty,
: And will not ask to whom I owe all this.
Forgive me that. I thought you not fo honorable.
So when you pleafe, i’le take my leave.
Cor. Not yet.
By fuch attend ants ss you came to me,
I hare provided fir for your departure.
Your duties gentlemen. You know my purpofe.
The
70 The Gentleman of Venice. -
The Bravos blindhim} and. bind
him as b -fore. Exeunt,
Enter Claudiana.
Cor . Refume thy place within my foul Claudianai
When 1 have done my forrow for what’s paft
Weel fmile, and kifle for ever. Exeunt.
Enter a Servant.
Ser. A letter fir.
Cor. From whence?
Ser. Your Nephew now a Prifoner.
Cor. Let him rpt,and give ’em back the paperkite.
Ser. The meflenger is gone.
Cor. Then he txpefts no anlwer. [Cor. ready}
Cla. You may read it.
Cor. Sir, I fend not to you for reliefe, nor to
Mediate my pardon. I have not liv’d after
The rate to deferve your bread to feed me,
Nor your breath to fave me. i oncly beg
That yo 14 would put me into your prayers.
And forgiveneffe, and believe, I do not wifh life ,
But to redeem my fell from paft impieties ,
And fatisfie by a repentance the difhonors
Have beene done to you , by the worft of men.
Maliptero.
This is not his ufuall ftile.
C/a. This miracle may be.
Cor. I do want faith.
Cla. And fent a blelling to reward our penitence.
Heaven has a fpacious charity.
Cor. Thou art all goodneffe. Ex.
Enter
The Gentleman of Venice: 7 1
Enter the Bravos , they lay him dovsn^ and Exeunt &
F lor elli recovers.
Flo. Sure this is gold. Enter 3. gentlemen .
Omnes. Florelli.
Flo. The fame.
1 . Thy looks are wild.
2. Where in the name of wonder haft thou been.
Flo. 1 am drop’d from the Moon.
3. The Moon.
Flo. \ was (hatch’d up in a whirlwind,
Ard din’d and fup’d at Cynthia's own table, ('men.
Where I drank all your healths in Ne£Ur gentle-
Doyee want money? if you havea mind
To return viceroycs, let’s take (hipping inftantly,
1 . And whither then?
Flo. For new difeoveries ,
A cloud will take us up at Sea.
2. ’Tis mernmg. ( ther
Flo. To drink, and then aboord, no matter whi-
l’le keep this for a monument.
3. That bag?
FlolOo not profane it,’twas Endimions pillow
Stuffd with home (havings of the Moon, it had
The vertue when (he clap’d it ore my head
To bring me thence invifible through the air;
The moon does mobble up her felf fometime in’t.
Where (he will (hew a quarter face, and was
The firft that wore a black bag.
1 . But doft hear ?
Flo. No inquifitions if you will leave V 7 nice.
Let’s drink and fpoon away with the next vcffell,
A hundred leagues hence, I may tell you wonders.
Hers is a chime to make Ring Oberon
Queen Maby and all her fayries turn o’th toe boyes.
a.Hee’s mad I think. Exeunt.
Enter
72
The Gentleman of Venice.
Enter Vrfula > Roberto , Gtcrrnnni. •
Vrf l could not fleep all this incite tor dreaming,
O’ my poor fuckling.
Ro. peace I fay and wait
In fiience Vrfula.
Gio. You may excufe me yet.
I wo’d not fee his excellence. ("pear
Vrf? Tisnot my meaning boy, thou fhouldft ap-
Unlefle there be neceflity, you may ftay, ith’e next
Chamber.
Enter a Court ter.
/ » #
Vrf. 1 befeech you Signior , is this grace coming
'forth, f
Cor. Not yet.
Vrf. I have an humble futc, I muft deliver
A paper to his graces own hand,
I hope his grace can read. Ex. Cl.
Ro. Why how now bagpiper.
Vrf Nay, theres no harm in’c what if he can.
You will be talking, did not 1 fay
I would fpeak all my felf. ( on’s
Ro. But Vrs . what do you think now will become
When you have told your tale, though I am inno¬
cent.
It will be nergreat credit, nor much comfort
To fee you whipt my Vrfula , 1 would
Beforry for my part to peep through a Pillory
And have an even reckoning with my ears,
Having no more hair to keep warm, and hide
The poor concavities.
Vrf. Neverfear it husband.
Ro. I will fo curfe you Vrfula, and once
A day: bind your body to a pear tree.
And thralh your hanches till you ftink agenj
For ought I know thou haft committed treafon.
Look
The Gentleman 0/ Venice. 73
Look to’t, and bring me off with all my quarters
If 1 be maim’d or croptjl’le’flea thee Vrfula^
Aad ftutfe’thy skin with ftraw, and hang thee np
To keep the fruit fi ora Crowes, and after burn it.
T o kill the Caterpillars, come, be wife in time.
And let Thomaz,o quietly be hang'J,
Or head: d yet, ana talk no more, he is
But one, and has a young neck to endure it.
We are old, and fha’not (hew with half the grace
Without our heads, ’twill be a goodly fight
To fee our faces grin upon two poles,
To tell the gaping work! how we came thither
T o perch, and ftink in unity, be wife ,
And leave 7 homaz,o to the Law. - *
Vrf. Can you be fo uncharitable, oh Tyrant!
Enter Duk$3 Mariner.
May it pleafe your excellence, my husband and
My felt. .
Ro. She has put me in already.
Vrf. Humbly befecch a pardon for our fon.
D». Your fon Giovamt , where is he >
Vrf. He waites in the next Chamber.
Z>«. Call him in. What is the faft ?
Itmuft be an offence next treafon, if we
Deny him pardon. t
Ro. I fear ’tis much about the matter.
Vtt. What is the faft?
• j * C > ' '• ’ .. 1 \
Enter Giovanni*
Vr. We do befeech you grant a pardon firft,
And ihen you (hall know all*
Dtt. That were prepofterous jufticc.
Why doft thou kneel Giovanni i
Gw. T o beg your mercy fir
To him, for whom my mother kneelcs
74 The gentleman of Venice,
Da. She askeg thy pardon.
Gio. M'ne? Let me offend Juft.
Da. Hee’s innocent. ( it.
Vr. No matter what he faies, my husban d knowes
Ho. Shee’l make furc of me. (don,
Vr. And if your highnefle will but grant the par-
Your grace fhall nor repent, but thank me for
The beft difeovery-, i’le not bribe your excellence,
But I will give you for it, what.you’l hold
As pretious as your Dukedome.
Da. The old woman
Raves, you had btft fend her to the houfe
Of the infant.
Ro So (hee’s to be whip’d already,
Da. What do you lay Roberto!
Ro. Hay nothing.
But that 1 hi. k my wife will hard ly mend upon’t.
Da. llpcri what ?
Ro. On whippingjif it like your highnefli',
SKe cannot feci thofe'lrnail corrections,
i have tiw’d hunting Poles, and hemp upon her.
And yet could do no good. (don,
Ur. L"t not your grace m ind him, give me a par-
And if I do not- mikegood all my promife.
You (hall hang mjt husband, and flea me alive. *
Da. What’s. thatjpaper ?
Ro. G \ him, thou fhouldft have done this afore.
I am pie par’d, more bone and flefti upon me
If th. butineffe come to hanging,were a curtefie.
Hrf. Nay ’tis there in black arid white,you’i.find.it„
Giovanni is your fon, that was the Gardiner,
And he that is in prifori popr Thoma^o
My lawfully begotten.
Du. Chang’d in their infancie. ' ' '
Urf. \nd lince conceal’d out of ambition
Toiee my own a great man.
Ro.
75
The Gentle man of V enice.
Ro. I feel the knot under my ear.
Vr. I durft no*, truft my husband.
Ro, That was not much amifie.
Vrf. He has not wit enough to keep mv fecrets.
Ro. Oh what a blefling has that man whole wife
Knowcswhento hold her peace.
Mar. Sir, if we may compare their trafts of life,
I (hall believe your noblenefle liv’d there
In Giovanni , not fuppreft in poverty.
And their rude courfe condition, notwithftanding
Thehelpes of Education,which feldome
Do correft nature in 7 boma&o's low
And abjeft fpirit.
D«. I’mc too full, I muft
Difperfc my fwelling joyes or be diffolv’d.
Summon our friends, invite Bellaura hither.
Art thou my fon >
Gio. I would I were fo bleft.
I ow’d you duty fir before, and now
My knees encline with double force to humble
iThe doubtfull Giovanni.
Du. Let that name
Be loft, take all my bleffings in Thomaz.o.
I Vrf. What think you of this Roberto.
I Ro. Why? 1 think
iThe Duke is mad, and when he finds his wits
Hee’l hang us both yet.
Du. Now 1 find the reafon
And fecret of my nature: but tell me
What after fo long filence, made vou now
Ppen the cloud that had conceal’d my fon ?
Ro. I know not fir— now Urfula.
j Vr, The weakneffe of a woman, and a mother
fhat would be loath to fee her naturall child
i^ye like a bird upon a bough for treafon,
Mature will work, a mother is a mother,
7 6 The Gentleman of Venice.
And your Ton, by the opening of this riddle
Reftor'd, I hope all (hall be well agen.
To. Would I were fair wafh’d,yet out of my pickle.
Vr- What think you bow?
Ro. I wilh, I wifti I could not think.
Enter Senators , Cornari.
Cor. We hear of wonders fir.
Dtt. This is my fon.
C or. With our moft glad embraces let us hold you*
Gio. Ever a fervant to your gravities.
Ro. The skie clears up.
Enter Bellaurai Marino.
Dtt. Bellaura, now receive not Giovanni ,
But Contartnt’s (on my deer Tbomaz>o.
Bel. My heart hath Wings to meet him.
Tho. Oh my happineffc !
Du. Paufe a little.
Ro. I melt agen Vrfttla} the Duke points at us,
And carries fireworks in his eyes.
Da. Though we did grant a pardon for your fbn.
You are (ubjeft to the cenfure of etur lawes
For this impofture. (beg
Ro. I knew *t would come, now telltale, will you
The favour we may hang till we be dead?
Sweet Giovanni Thomaso (peak for us ,
Not guilty my Lord, I am not guilty,
Spare me, and let my wife be burn’d or hang*d.
Or drown’d, or any thing you (hall think fit.
You (hall find me reafonable.
Who (hall beg our pardon?
Vr. Mercy oh mercy.
Tho . Let me befeech you for their pardon fir, v
They alwaies us’d me civilly. 4 V
Bel. Let me joinc. *
Sen. And a 11 of us, this is a day of triumph*
Du- It (hall be fo.
Ko.
The Gentleman of Venice. 7 7
Ro. A Jubile, a J ubile, here comes Thomaz ,ot
I {hall fpeak treaibn prefcntly.
Fr/. Now heaven preferve your fweet graces.
Enter IhomazoyMalipiero.
Git . Mercy, oh mercy, my indulgent father.
Vrf. Art thou come boy? '
Gio. Boy? ftand away good woman.
Vrf. I nave procur’d thy pardon , mary have I
child. (Crone.
Gio. I wo’d ’tWcre true, thou wemever a loving
Ro. You may believe her ion.
Gio. Son, the old fellow’s mad.
Urf. I fay thou art pardon’d.
You muft kneel to me now, and this good
Old man, and ask us bleffing.
Mar. Your name is prov’d Giovanni now, the Duke
Has found another fon.
Gio. What (hall become of me?
i Da. You (hall be onely punilh’d to return.
And dig as he hath done,and change your name
To Giovanni , nature was not willing
You ihould forget your trade, where’s my Tbomazxii
I Gio. Arc you my father >
R 0. So my wife affures me,
i Gio. Are you my mother >
Vrf.l my deere child.
Gio. And you Signior Thomazo , that was I >
Tho.hnA. you Giovanni with the infidc outward.
Oio. And muft I be a Gardiner 1 1 am glad on*c.
Pray give me a couple of bleffings, and a lpade,
\nd fico for this frippery. I’le thank
Vly deftiny that has yet kept my thread
To a better ufe then hanging.
Coj^t. Let nothing
3f puniftiment profane this day, I muft
mplor* your mercy upon this young man,
Whofe
7 8 The Gentleman of Venice*
Whofc future life may reeompence his paft
Impieties, and make him ferviceable
To honor and good men.
Du. You (hew a charity,
If Iyhave heard a truth in fome fad ftories,
Hee’s yours and pardoned.
Ma. Y’are a miracle
Of goodnefle, *tis too much to look upon.
Whom I have with fuch impudence offended.
Command me fir abroad untill by fome
Years well emploid, a pennance for my crimes
I may be thought one worthy to be own’d
Your Kinfman.
Du. Agen, welcome my Thomaco ,
My dcareft pledge, till now I was no father;
In him, the want of hope my thoughts oppreft.
In thee my fortunes, and my name are bleft.
Exeunt. |
finis .
i f
* .
\
>
\
)
Live Music
Archive
Librivox
Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland
Museum of Art
Internet
Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American
Libraries
TV News
Understanding
9/11